Limited Quantities (LQ) vs Excepted Quantities (EQ): Key Differences Explained

When shipping dangerous goods in small amounts, two important exemptions can simplify compliance and reduce costs: Limited Quantities (LQ) and Excepted Quantities (EQ). Understanding the difference is essential for any shipper, freight forwarder or logistics professional working with hazardous materials.

What Are Limited Quantities (LQ)?

Limited Quantities is a provision that allows dangerous goods to be transported with significantly reduced regulatory requirements when packed in small inner packagings within a combination package. LQ shipments are exempt from many standard dangerous goods requirements, including the use of UN-certified outer packaging.

Key LQ Requirements:

• Inner packaging quantity limits vary by substance (typically up to 1L for liquids, 1kg for solids)
• Gross package weight must not exceed 30 kg
• Packages must display the LQ diamond mark (white diamond with black border)
• No dangerous goods declaration required for road transport (ADR)
• Applies to Classes 2–9 (with exceptions — always check the substance entry)

What Are Excepted Quantities (EQ)?

Excepted Quantities allow even smaller amounts of certain dangerous goods to be transported with minimal requirements. EQ shipments face fewer restrictions than LQ, but the quantity limits are significantly lower and not all substances qualify.

Key EQ Requirements:

• Inner packaging limits range from 1 ml/g to 30 ml/g depending on the EQ code (E0–E5)
• Maximum 500 g/ml per package
• Packages must display the EQ mark with the shipper’s name
• No UN-certified packaging required
• Check the substance-specific EQ code in the dangerous goods list (E0 = not permitted)

LQ vs EQ: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Limited Quantities (LQ)	Excepted Quantities (EQ)
Inner packaging limit	Up to 1L / 1kg	1 ml/g to 30 ml/g
Max gross package weight	30 kg	500 g/ml
UN packaging required	No	No
DG declaration required	No (road/sea)	No
Mark required	LQ diamond mark	EQ mark + shipper name
Air transport (IATA)	Yes — Section 3.4	Yes — Section 3.5
Quantity restriction	Less restrictive	More restrictive

Which Mark Do You Need?

For Limited Quantities, packages must display the LQ diamond mark — a white diamond with a black border, with the lower half filled black. For Excepted Quantities, the package must show the EQ mark (an asterisk inside a diamond) along with the shipper’s name or company name.

At MYDG.SHOP, we supply both LQ labels and EQ marks compliant with ADR, IATA and IMDG regulations, available in packs of 10, 50 and 100 units or rolls of 250, 500 and 1,000.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all substances qualify — always check the EQ code (E0 means EQ is not permitted for that substance)
• Forgetting the shipper’s name on EQ packages — this is a mandatory marking requirement
• Exceeding gross weight limits for LQ — the 30 kg limit applies to the complete package, not just the dangerous goods
• Using LQ for air transport without checking IATA — some substances permitted under ADR LQ are not permitted under IATA Section 3.4

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only. Always consult the applicable regulations (ADR, IATA DGR, IMDG Code) in their most recent version.