IATA Declarations: Net Quantity or Gross Weight?

IATA Declarations: Net Quantity or Gross Weight?

Why IATA Declarations Cause Confusion

One of the most asked questions I get when it comes to shipping dangerous goods is, How do I fill out my IATA Declaration? As you may know, the required information that goes on an IATA declaration includes the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, and packing instruction, just to name a few. The majority of the confusion I encounter involves correctly referencing the quantity of dangerous goods on the documentation. Should you reference the net quantity or the gross weight of the packaging? Answering this question depends on a few important factors, which could result in non-compliance if not handled correctly.

Net Quantity vs Gross Weight

First of all, there is a big difference between the terms net quantity vs. gross weight. The net quantity is defined as the weight or volume of the dangerous goods contained in a package, excluding the weight or volume of any packaging material. This means the net quantity is the weight of the dangerous goods itself.

Example: Silver Nitrate in a 4G Box

For example, let’s say you are putting 1 KG of silver nitrate (UN 1493) into a plastic bottle and inside a 4G box. The net quantity referenced would be 1kg, which is just the weight of the dangerous goods itself.

On the other hand, gross weight is defined as the total weight of the package as presented for transport. Gross weight would include the dangerous goods, the plastic bottle and cap, tape, and the 4G box in our example above. So, what should be referenced on an IATA declaration?

Dangerous Goods Declaration: Net vs. Gross

IATA is very specific in terms of how to reference the quantity on a dangerous goods declaration. In section 8.1.6.9.2 (a), it says the net quantity of dangerous goods in each package (by volume or weight as appropriate) must be indicated for each item of dangerous goods bearing a different proper shipping name, UN/ID number, or packing group. Abbreviations may be used to specify the unit of measurement for the quantity, such as “KG” or “L”.

When Gross Weight Must Be Used

However, there are some circumstances where the gross weight may need to be referenced.

Limited Quantities and the Letter “G”

For limited quantities where the letter “G” follows the quantity in Column H of the List of Dangerous Goods, the gross weight of each package must be indicated, rather than the net quantity, and the letter “G” must be added following the unit of measurement, except when there are different dangerous goods packed together in the same outer packaging.

As an example, for ID 8000 consumer commodities, you will see the letter “G” after 30KG in column H, which means the gross weight would have to be referenced on the declaration.

Stay Compliant with Your IATA Documentation

Understanding the difference between net quantity and gross weight ensures your IATA declarations stay accurate, compliant, and hassle-free. If you are in need of purchasing air declarations, here at ICC The Compliance Center, we offer several different options. Do you have questions? Take a look at our Documentation FAQ or contact our team of experts at 855.734.5469 or send us an email, we’re happy to help.

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