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Limited Quantity (LQ) - Definition & Meaning | Logistics Glossary

LQ(

GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Limited Quantity (LQ)

Unlike Excepted Quantities (EQ), which apply only to very small sample-sized amounts, Limited Quantity (LQ) allows dangerous goods to be transported in defined, somewhat larger per-package quantities under significantly simplified labeling and packaging rules.

Quick Answer

Unlike Excepted Quantities (EQ), which apply only to very small sample-sized amounts, Limited Quantity (LQ) allows dangerous goods to be transported in defined, somewhat larger per-package quantities…

Under LQ provisions, the UN Number on the label and the hazard placard on the transport unit are generally not required; a black-and-white diamond mark suffices instead.

Maximum quantities per inner packaging and per package vary by hazard class and substance and are listed in tabular form in ADR, the IMDG Code, and IATA DGR.

Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/store/dangerous-goods-regulations-dgr/

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Limited Quantity (LQ)

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Definition & Explanation

Unlike Excepted Quantities (EQ), which apply only to very small sample-sized amounts, Limited Quantity (LQ) allows dangerous goods to be transported in defined, somewhat larger per-package quantities under significantly simplified labeling and packaging rules. Under LQ provisions, the UN Number on the label and the hazard placard on the transport unit are generally not required; a black-and-white diamond mark suffices instead. Maximum quantities per inner packaging and per package vary by hazard class and substance and are listed in tabular form in ADR, the IMDG Code, and IATA DGR. Not all hazard classes qualify for LQ treatment—explosives, toxic gases, and certain radioactive materials are excluded. Despite the regulatory relief, shippers remain responsible for correct packaging, accurate transport documentation, and compliance with applicable quantity limits.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – Limited Quantity (LQ) (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/limited-quantity-lq), accessed 2026-09-26
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2026). Limited Quantity (LQ). Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/limited-quantity-lq
BibTeX: @misc{limitedquantitylq2026, title = {Limited Quantity (LQ)}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2026}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/limited-quantity-lq}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-09-26} }

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