Here are questions and answers regarding the new limited quantities markings that were asked during our webinar on December 7th. If you missed the live session, or would like to review it, it can be viewed here.
Q: Will small package carriers, such as UPS or FedEx, accept the new label?
A: Yes.
Q: On the Shipper’s Declaration, do you still need to put the words “LTD. QTY.” or “Limited Quantity”?
A: No.
Q: Why is the “Y” marking referenced in the 2010 IMDG Code?
A: This is due to multimodal transportation.
Q: Is that mark useful in ground shipments?
A: It is not required for ground shipments.
Q: If we are shipping according to DOT by ground and IMDG Code by sea, do we use the marking with the “Y” in the center?
A: No, the marking with the “Y” is required only for air transportation.
Q: Do we still put the UN number in the diamond?
A: No, you do not need to put the UN Number in the diamond for shipping by sea (IMDG Code).
Q: Anytime we load any limited quantites on a cargo transport unit meant for marine shipments, must we also mark that cargo unit with the “Y” marking?
A: When you load a CTU meant for marine shipments and it contains only limited quantities, you need to mark it with the new limited quantity marking without the “Y”.
Q: Is the blank diamond for containers?
A: The new diamond marking without the “Y” is for small packages to be shipped by air.
Q: Which version of the new marking should be used for each mode of transport?
A: The new diamond marking with the “Y” is for air shipments. For marine shipments, use the new marking without the “Y”. No new marking is required for ground shipments.
Q: If we use the blank limited quantity marking on the outside of a sea container do we still need to use the spelled out “LIMITED QUANTITY” marking?
A: You will not need to have the “LIMITED QUANTITY” marking, The new diamond marking replaces it.
Q: Will IMDG accept the “Y” version of the marking?
A: Yes, for multimodal shipments.
Q: What about the documentation for IMDG? Is that changing?
A: No.
Q: Will IATA accept shipments that have the blank diamond?
A: No, you must use the version with the “Y” for air shipments.
Q: Are the “LTD. QTY.” or Consumer Commodity markings still acceptable for ground shipments?
A: Yes, for ground shipments.
Q: If we use “LTD. QTY.” labels, do I have to replace it with the new marking? We only ship by ground.
A: If you only ship by ground, you do not need to use the new marking.
Q: IMDG Code 2010 section 3.4.5.3 says the air marking shall be deemed to meet the provisions of the IMDG limited quantity mark. I don’t think it states that the package must be multimodal.
A: Section 3.4.5.2 states that it is for packages containing dangerous goods consigned for air transport.
Q: How will this impact ground transport in Canada?
A: Currently, everything is staying as it was. However, Transport Canada is working on an amendment that will allow the new marking to be used.
Q: Can you review what marking/labels will be needed for Consumer Commodities/ORM-D ID8000 shipments?
A: For air shipments, you must use the “Y” version of the new marking. For sea shipments using the IMDG Code, you must respect the Limited Quantity requirements.
Q: When will IATA require the new “Y” marking to be used?
A: January 1, 2011.
Q: What are the size requirements for the new markings?
A: The standard size is 4″ x 4″ (100 mm x 100 mm), and cannot be reduced to less than 2″ x 2″ (50 mm x 50 mm).
Q: Are there color requirements regarding the “Y” marking?
A: No, there are no color requirements.
