Requirements for Describing Hazardous Materials

49 CFR Part 172; IATA Section 4

Properly describing a hazardous material is a fundamental requirement for communicating the presence of a potential hazard to representatives of the shipper, carrier, consignee, or regulatory agency who may come in contact with the shipment. The description not only communicates the presence of a hazardous material, but also establishes the specific emergency actions to take in the event of an incident involving that material.

This requirement includes using the basic description assigned by DOT or IATA regulations, as appropriate, together with any other required information found in the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

The basic description includes the following information:

  • The identification number, when assigned
  • The proper shipping name
  • The hazard class or division number
  • The packing group number, if applicable

Additional Information

This information is used to complete the documentation, labeling, certification, and package marking requirements.

The appropriate UPS Chemical Table also includes the following:

  • Required hazard labels
  • Quantity limitations, if any
  • Mandatory exemption packaging, if required
  • Special provisions, if applicable
  • Packaging exceptions, if authorized

Note:

Other information may also be required on the Shipping Paper or Shipper's Declaration and packaging markings. Refer to the remainder of this online guide for further information.

If you have any questions about shipping hazardous materials with UPS, please call the UPS Hazardous Materials Support Center 1-800-554-9964.