IMDG Limited Quantity (LQ): Five Operational Points Every Supply Chain Logistics Professional Should Know

Dangerous Goods transported under the Limited Quantity (LQ) provisions are intended to simplify transport requirements while maintaining safety. However, LQ shipments continue to be one of the most misunderstood areas of the IMDG Code, resulting in unnecessary handling, incorrect marking, and non-compliant container placarding.

To help the industry improve compliance and operational efficiency.

Here are five key knowledge points that are frequently overlooked.

1. Limited Quantity (LQ) Shipments Are Still Dangerous Goods

Transporting dangerous goods under the Limited Quantity provisions does not change their classification.

LQ shipments remain Dangerous Goods, but they benefit from specific exemptions under Chapter 3.4 of the IMDG Code relating to marking, labelling, documentation, segregation and placarding.

Before applying the LQ provisions, always verify:

• The substance is eligible for Limited Quantity transport.

• The quantity per inner packaging does not exceed the applicable LQ limit.

• The packaging complies with all IMDG Code requirements.

2. Mark LQ Packages Correctly

For most LQ shipments, the completed outer package only requires the Limited Quantity (LQ) Mark.

Hazard class labels and UN numbers are generally not required on LQ packages unless specifically required by other provisions.

Applying unnecessary DG labels can create confusion during handling and inspections.

3. Don't Confuse Packing Compatibility with Transport Segregation

This is one of the most important distinctions in the IMDG Code.

Inside the same outer packaging

When different dangerous goods are packed together in a combination package, compatibility requirements still apply.

The LQ provisions do not override packing requirements. Mixed packing restrictions and chemical compatibility must always be assessed before different dangerous goods are placed into the same outer package.

Between completed LQ packages

Once the packages have been prepared as separate completed LQ packages, the segregation requirements of IMDG Code Chapter 7.2 generally do not apply.

Understanding the difference between packing compatibility and transport segregation helps avoid unnecessary restrictions while maintaining safety.

4. Cargo Consolidation

For cargo consolidation purposes, Dangerous Goods transported under the Limited Quantity provisions are generally excluded from segregation considerations.

In practice, completed LQ packages do not require segregation from other dangerous goods solely because they contain LQ cargo. Operators should avoid applying the IMDG segregation table unnecessarily during consolidation.

5. Apply Container Placards Correctly

Container placarding remains one of the most common areas of misunderstanding.

Container loaded with only LQ packages

• Display the Limited Quantity (LQ) Mark on the container.

• Do not display Class 1–9 dangerous goods placards solely because the cargo is transported as Limited Quantities.

  

Container loaded with both LQ packages and fully regulated Dangerous Goods

• Apply only the placards required for the fully regulated dangerous goods.

• Do not display the Limited Quantity (LQ) Mark on the container.

  

Applying the correct placards ensures compliance with the IMDG Code and helps avoid delays or corrective actions during inspections.

Free Download

To support the industry in promoting correct Dangerous Goods practices, we have prepared a two-page IMDG Limited Quantity (LQ) Knowledge Summary highlighting the key operational requirements for packaging, marking, segregation, cargo consolidation, and container placarding.

Download the handout using the link below. Both English and Simplified Chinese versions are available for reference and internal training.

LQ Key Note - EN (English)

LQ Key Note - CN (Chinese)