Classifications for Transport-Regulated Products


This article details why certain products are regulated for transport and lists the classifications to help you determine if your specific product needs the related transportation information.

Background

Hazardous materials and dangerous goods require special packaging, paperwork, markings, and placards while in transit by air, sea, rail, and ground. 

  • Specific regulations and protocols govern shipments in the United States (the 49 CFR, maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation) and internationally (the UN Model Regulations).


Sometimes, this information may be available on the SDS in Section 14, but you may need to confirm with your shipping department prior to registration to ensure accurate data. 

  • They should be able to provide the necessary transportation information, including whether any exceptions/exemptions apply.


Transport Classifications

If you see one or more of the following GHS classifications on your SDS, it is likely your product is regulated for transport: 

 

Explosive Materials for Transport

Explosives, Category 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or 1.6


Aerosols/ Compressed Gas for Transport 

Aerosols, Category 1, 2, or 3

Flammable Gases, Category 1 or 2 

Gases Under Pressure, Category Compressed Gas, Liquefied Gas, Refrigerated Gas, Dissolved Gas 


Flammable Liquids for Transport

Flammable Liquids, Category 1, 2, or 3 (Category 4 for DOT only)


Flammable Solid and Reactive Materials for Transport

Flammable Solids, Category 1 or 2 

Pyrophoric Liquids, Category 1 

Pyrophoric Solids, Category 1 

Self-Heating Substances, Category 1 or 2 

Self-Reactive Substances, Category A, B, C, D, E, or F 

Substances and Mixtures which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases, Category 1, 2, or 3


Oxidizing Materials for Transport

Organic Peroxides, Category A, B, C, D, E, F 

Oxidizing Gases, Category 1 

Oxidizing Liquids, Category 1, 2, or 3 

Oxidizing Solids, Category 1, 2, or 3


Toxic Substance for Transport

Acute Aquatic Toxicity, Category 1 

Acute Dermal Toxicity, Category 1, 2, 3 

Acute Inhalation Toxicity, Category 1, 2, 3 

Acute Oral Toxicity, Category 1, 2, or 3


Corrosive Materials for Transport

Corrosive to Metals, Category 1

Skin Corrosion, Category 1A, 1B, or 1C 


Environmentally Hazardous Materials

Chronic Aquatic Toxicity, Category 1 or 2