1.3 Limited Quantities (LQ) and Excepted Quantities (EQ)
Key Takeaways
Limited Quantities (ADR Chapter 3.4) exempt hazardous materials packed in small inner receptacles inside robust combination packaging (max 30 kg) or shrink-wrapped trays (max 20 kg).
Packages containing Limited Quantities must bear the standardized diamond mark with black top and bottom points (min 100x100mm, reducible to 50x50mm).
Vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes gross mass carrying over 8 tonnes gross mass of LQ packages must display 250x250mm LQ marks front and rear, unless orange plates are already displayed.
Excepted Quantities (ADR Chapter 3.5) permit micro-quantities of chemicals under codes E0 through E5 utilizing mandatory triple packaging, capped at 1,000 packages per transport unit.
LQ and EQ relieve specified ADR duties but retain training and their own packaging/marking conditions; other road-safety law still applies. LQ loads over 8 tonnes can be restricted in category E tunnels.
Limited Quantities (LQ) and Excepted Quantities (EQ)
Principles and Packaging Rules of Limited Quantities (ADR Chapter 3.4)
The Limited Quantities (LQ) framework set forth in ADR Chapter 3.4 is one of the most widely used exemptions in freight distribution. It facilitates the transport of everyday commercial and consumer items—such as aerosol sprays, paints, adhesives, cleaning products, cosmetics, and automotive fluids—without subjecting operators to full ADR obligations.
The safety philosophy behind Chapter 3.4 relies on containment distribution: rather than carrying large bulk volumes where a single failure could release hundreds of litres, substances are divided into small individual inner packagings enclosed within robust outer packagings. Even if an inner container leaks during transport, the outer packaging and protective cushioning retain the spillage.
Packaging Limits and Configurations
To qualify for Limited Quantities, a consignment must satisfy three strict criteria:
- Inner Packaging Limits (Table A, Column 7a): Each UN entry specifies the maximum allowable capacity or mass for an inner container, ranging from 0 (LQ prohibited, as with toxic gases and high explosives) to the entry-specific value shown in column (7a). If an inner container exceeds this limit, the consignment cannot use Chapter 3.4.
- Outer Packaging Maximum Gross Mass:
- Combination Packagings: Inner receptacles (glass, plastic, or metal) placed inside a sturdy outer carton (fibreboard, wood, or plastic). Maximum gross mass: 30 kg.
- Shrink-Wrapped or Stretch-Wrapped Trays: Receptacles seated on a tray and wrapped in plastic film. Maximum gross mass: 20 kg.
- Packaging Construction Standards: Packagings do not require formal UN specification testing or UN approval stamps, but they must meet general packaging provisions (ADR 4.1.1.1, 4.1.1.2, 4.1.1.4–4.1.1.8). They must be of good quality, sealed against leakage, and capable of withstanding ordinary transport shocks.
The LQ Package Mark
Every package containing dangerous goods in limited quantities must bear the standardized LQ diamond mark:
- Design: A square set at an angle of 45° (diamond) with a white or contrasting center and solid black top and bottom points.
- Dimensions: Minimum 100 mm x 100 mm with a border line at least 2 mm wide. If package size requires it, dimensions may be reduced to 50 mm x 50 mm.
- Multimodal Symbolism: An LQ mark displaying a capital letter "Y" in the center indicates compliance with the ICAO Technical Instructions for air transport. ADR 3.4.8 recognises the air-transport mark when the applicable air provisions and remaining road conditions are met. The ordinary road LQ mark does not establish air-transport acceptance.
Vehicle Marking and Consignor Obligations for Limited Quantities
Although individual packages are exempt from UN numbers and hazard warning diamonds, large aggregate shipments of LQ goods present significant hazards. ADR therefore enforces vehicle-level marking thresholds and advance-notification rules.
Transport Unit Marking (ADR 3.4.13)
A road vehicle must display enlarged LQ marks when two conditions are met simultaneously:
- The transport unit has a maximum permissible gross mass exceeding 12 tonnes.
- The vehicle carries an aggregate gross mass of LQ packages exceeding 8 tonnes.
- Mark Specifications: Enlarged LQ marks measuring at least 250 mm x 250 mm must be affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Container Rules: If carried in a container on a vehicle exceeding 12 tonnes, 250 mm LQ marks must be placed on all four external sides of the container.
- Orange Plate Override (ADR 3.4.13.2): If the vehicle is already displaying standard 400x300mm orange plates under ADR 5.3.2 (because it also carries fully regulated dangerous goods), the 250 mm LQ marks do NOT need to be displayed.
Documentation and Consignor Duties (ADR 3.4.12)
A formal dangerous goods transport document (ADR 5.4.1) is not required for LQ goods. However, the consignor must advance-notify the carrier in a traceable written form (such as a consignment note or bill of lading) of the total gross mass of limited quantity goods to be transported, allowing the carrier to determine whether vehicle marking applies.
Excepted Quantities: High-Precision Exemption (ADR Chapter 3.5)
While Limited Quantities serve commercial packaged goods, Excepted Quantities (EQ) govern micro-quantities of chemicals, laboratory samples, and diagnostic reagents transported under stringent packaging rules.
The Mandatory Triple Packaging System
ADR Chapter 3.5 requires a tested triple containment system:
- Inner Packaging: Leakproof plastic, glass, earthenware, or metal container with closures held securely by wire, tape, or positive mechanical means.
- Intermediate Packaging: A second leakproof enclosure completely surrounding the inner packaging, containing sufficient absorbent cushioning material to absorb the entire liquid contents.
- Outer Packaging: A rigid outer box (fibreboard, wood, or plastic) subjected to a 1.8-metre drop test and a 3-metre compressive stacking test for 24 hours.
Excepted Quantity Codes (Table A, Column 7b)
Column 7b assigns codes E0 through E5 defining permissible quantities:
| EQ Code | Max Net Quantity per Inner Packaging | Max Net Quantity per Outer Packaging | Typical Goods |
|---|---|---|---|
| E0 | Not permitted as Excepted Quantity | Not permitted as Excepted Quantity | High-hazard goods (Class 1, gases, Class 6.1 PG I inhalation hazards). |
| E1 | 30 g / 30 ml | 1,000 g / 1,000 ml (1 kg / 1 L) | Moderate to low danger goods (Class 3 PG II/III, Class 8 PG II/III). |
| E2 | 30 g / 30 ml | 500 g / 500 ml | Moderate-hazard flammable and toxic substances. |
| E3 | 30 g / 30 ml | 300 g / 300 ml | Specialized toxic or reactive chemicals. |
| E4 | 1 g / 1 ml | 500 g / 500 ml | High-hazard substances permitting only trace quantities per inner vial. |
| E5 | 1 g / 1 ml | 300 g / 300 ml | Very high hazard materials permitted in strictly limited volumes. |
The EQ Package Mark and Transport Limits
Packages containing Excepted Quantities must bear a square mark (min 100 mm x 100 mm) with a red or black hatching border, containing a stylized letter "E" in a circle, the first or only danger label number from Table A column (5), and the consignor or consignee name if not shown elsewhere on the package.
Under ADR 3.5.5, a transport unit or container may carry a maximum of 1,000 EQ packages. If a document accompanies the goods, it must contain "DANGEROUS GOODS IN EXCEPTED QUANTITIES" and the number of packages. Chapter 3.5 does not itself require a full 5.4.1 transport document.
Comparison Matrix: Full ADR vs. 1.1.3.6 vs. LQ vs. EQ
| Regulatory Feature | Full ADR | Small Load Exemption (1.1.3.6) | Limited Quantities (3.4) | Excepted Quantities (3.5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Certificate | Mandatory ADR card (Chapter 8.2) | Chapter 1.3 awareness training | Chapter 1.3 awareness training | Chapter 1.3 awareness training |
| Vehicle Markings | Plain 400x300mm orange plates | Not required when using 1.1.3.6 | 250mm LQ marks if >12t vehicle and >8t LQ cargo | No EQ vehicle mark required |
| Transport Document | Full ADR 5.4.1 document | ADR 5.4.1 doc + category points | No 5.4.1 doc; gross mass advance notification | No 5.4.1 doc; "Dangerous Goods in EQ" statement |
| Instructions in Writing | 4-page UNECE document mandatory | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Packaging Standards | Applicable packing instruction determines packaging | Applicable packing instruction determines packaging | Sturdy combination (max 30kg) or trays (max 20kg) | Tested triple packaging (1.8m drop tested) |
| Package Labelling | UN numbers + Hazard diamond labels | UN numbers + Hazard diamond labels | LQ Diamond Mark (100x100mm) | EQ Hatching Mark (100x100mm) with class number |
| Fire Extinguishers | Full capacity per GVW (4, 8, or 12 kg) | Minimum 1 x 2 kg cab extinguisher | No ADR-specific extinguisher requirement under this regime; check other law | No ADR-specific extinguisher requirement under this regime; check other law |
| Vehicle Safety Kit | Full 8.1.5 safety kit mandatory | Exempt from 8.1.5 kit | Exempt from 8.1.5 kit | Exempt from 8.1.5 kit |
| Cargo Securing | ADR 7.5.7 applies | ADR 7.5.7 applies | ADR 7.5.7 applies | Secure the load under applicable road law; EQ does not retain 7.5.7 itself |
| Smoking / Vaping Ban | Strictly prohibited | Strictly prohibited | Follow site and national ignition-control rules | Follow site and national ignition-control rules |
Source check: 17 October 2026 — ADR 2025, English text published by the Slovak Ministry of Transport, 3.4 and 3.5.
Under ADR Chapter 3.4, when is a transport unit carrying dangerous goods packed in Limited Quantities (LQ) required to display enlarged 250 mm x 250 mm LQ marks on the front and rear?
On any vehicle carrying more than 1,000 kg gross mass of limited quantity goods
Exclusively when transporting dangerous goods through category D or E road tunnels
When the vehicle exceeds 12 tonnes maximum permissible gross mass and carries more than 8 tonnes gross mass of LQ packages (unless orange plates are already displayed)
Only when the shipment contains combination packaging housing Class 1 or Class 7 materials
What is the maximum permissible gross mass for shrink-wrapped or stretch-wrapped trays carrying dangerous goods packed in Limited Quantities under ADR 3.4.3?
5 kilograms gross mass
10 kilograms gross mass
30 kilograms gross mass
20 kilograms gross mass
Which of the following statements correctly identifies the packaging hierarchy required for dangerous goods transported as Excepted Quantities under ADR Chapter 3.5?
A triple packaging system consisting of a leakproof inner receptacle, an intermediate packaging containing absorbent cushioning material, and a rigid outer packaging
A single UN-certified steel drum tested to Packing Group I standards with a tamper-evident closure
A flexible intermediate bulk container (IBC) fitted with secondary containment liners
A standard combination carton containing loose vermiculite with no intermediate packaging layer
An analytical laboratory prepares small chemical samples for road shipment under the Excepted Quantities provisions of ADR Chapter 3.5. What is the maximum number of Excepted Quantity packages allowed on a single transport unit?
500 packages
1,000 packages
2,500 packages
There is no numerical limit on the number of packages per transport unit
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.