PART 3: DANGEROUS GOODS LIST, SPECIAL PROVISIONS & EXCEPTIONS

Part 3 of the IMDG Code provides the essential tools for identifying regulatory requirements for each dangerous substance or article.
While classification determines the hazard class, Part 3 connects that classification to operational requirements, ensuring each dangerous good is transported safely and consistently across the maritime supply chain.

Chapter 3.1 – General

The Dangerous Goods List (DGL) is the central reference table used to determine how a substance must be transported.
It contains mandatory information for every classified dangerous good assigned a UN Number.

Purpose of Chapter 3.1

• Explain how to read the DGL table

• Provide guidance for interpretation of each column

• Ensure shippers, carriers, and port personnel can extract required regulatory information quickly and accurately

Use of the DGL Table

The DGL is located in Volume 2 of the IMDG Code and must be consulted for:

• Identification of a substance by name or UN number

• Packing instructions

• Labels and placards to apply

• Segregation and stowage rules

• Emergency response actions

Column Interpretation

Each column in the DGL conveys a specific regulatory requirement.
Examples include:

• Column 1: UN Number

• Column 3: Class or Division

• Column 6: Packing Group

• Column 15–16: EmS Guide & MFAG reference for emergency response

Correct reading of these columns is essential because failure to comply may result in incorrect packing, stowage violations, or emergency response errors.

Column Reference Guidance

When consulting the DGL:

1. Locate the UN Number

2. Read across the row to determine all mandatory requirements

3. Check special provisions for additional instructions

4. Cross-reference EMS and MFAG for emergency control

5. Apply stowage and segregation rules during load planning

The DGL must be treated as the primary source of operational instructions for any dangerous good.

Chapter 3.2 – Dangerous Goods List

The DGL is a comprehensive table that outlines detailed transport requirements for each dangerous good.

Information Contained in the DGL

Importance

The DGL forms the operational checklist for every dangerous good.
Compliance with the DGL ensures:

• safe packaging choices,

• correct hazard communication,

• lawful shipment acceptance,

• proper response preparedness.

Chapter 3.3 – Special Provisions

Special provisions supplement the DGL when unique handling or identification considerations apply.
They appear as letter-number codes in Column 6 and are defined in Chapter 3.3 of the IMDG Code.

Purpose of Special Provisions

• Clarify specific requirements beyond basic classification

• Allow conditional exemptions when hazards are reduced or controlled

• Prevent misinterpretation of certain substances

Examples of Special Provision Functions

• Indicate whether a material is considered a marine pollutant

• Modify PSN usage under certain conditions

• Specify temperature control requirements

• Identify exceptions for small quantities or specific packaging types

• Restrict or prohibit shipment under certain conditions

• Provide compatibility notes for reactive materials

Operational Impact

Personnel must always check special provisions because they may:

• relax requirements for certain packaging forms,

• exempt low-risk quantities,

• impose stronger restrictions based on chemical behavior.

Ignoring special provisions can result in incorrect packaging or marking, leading to non-compliance.

Chapter 3.4 – Limited Quantities

Limited quantities (LQ) provisions apply when goods are packed in small inner packagings that limit the risk during transport.
This reduces regulatory burden without compromising safety.

Qualifying Criteria

• Goods must be listed as eligible for LQ in the DGL

• Inner packaging must not exceed prescribed quantity limits

• Outer packaging must meet general robustness requirements

Benefits

• Simplified marking requirements

• No UN specification packaging required

• Reduced documentation and placarding needs (within certain thresholds)

Limitations

• Only applies to consumer-type, small-packaged goods

• Does not apply to all classes (e.g., most explosives, toxic gases, radioactive)

LQ transport supports commercial distribution of retail products, such as paints, aerosols, small flammable liquid containers, and cleaning chemicals.

Chapter 3.5 – Excepted Quantities

Excepted quantities apply to very small amounts of dangerous goods where the hazard level is minimal.
These provisions simplify requirements further than limited quantities.

Characteristics

• Used primarily for samples, laboratory use, research, testing

• Inner, intermediate, and outer packaging must comply with special size & integrity rules

• Proper marking (EQ mark) is mandatory

Exemptions Granted

When transported correctly, excepted quantities:

• May not require full DG documentation

• Are not subject to many labeling and packaging requirements

• Are not counted toward threshold quantities for placarding

Risk Basis

Because quantities are extremely small, the likelihood of a significant incident during transport is reduced. However, improper packaging can still cause harm, especially with toxic or corrosive samples.

PART 3 SUMMARY TABLE