Dangerous goods classes
The nine hazard classes for dangerous goods in transport, with the class names used in the UN Model Regulations and the divisions in the U.S. hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR).
| Class | UN Model Regulations | U.S. 49 CFR 173.2: divisions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | 1.1 Explosives (with a mass explosion hazard) 1.2 Explosives (with a projection hazard) 1.3 Explosives (with predominately a fire hazard) 1.4 Explosives (with no significant blast hazard) 1.5 Very insensitive explosives; blasting agents 1.6 Extremely insensitive detonating substances |
| 2 | Gases | 2.1 Flammable gas 2.2 Non-flammable compressed gas 2.3 Poisonous gas |
| 3 | Flammable liquids | 3 Flammable and combustible liquid |
| 4 | Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases | 4.1 Flammable solid 4.2 Spontaneously combustible material 4.3 Dangerous when wet material |
| 5 | Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides | 5.1 Oxidizer 5.2 Organic peroxide |
| 6 | Toxic and infectious substances | 6.1 Poisonous materials 6.2 Infectious substance (etiologic agent) |
| 7 | Radioactive materials | 7 Radioactive material |
| 8 | Corrosive substances | 8 Corrosive material |
| 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous goods and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances | 9 Miscellaneous hazardous material |
Read this first
The class names the main hazard; it is only the start of classifying a shipment. In most classes, goods are also assigned to one of three packing groups. The U.S. table also lists forbidden materials and forbidden explosives.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Before shipping dangerous goods, confirm the current rules for your mode and route with the regulator or a qualified dangerous goods professional.
Sources
- 49 CFR 173.2: Hazardous materials classes and index to hazard class definitions, eCFR (U.S. Government Publishing Office)
- Classification, labelling and packaging in accordance with the UN Model Regulations for the transport of dangerous goods, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)