Limited Quantity vs Excepted Quantity: what each one is and what we need from you
Limited Quantity (ADR chapter 3.4) and Excepted Quantity (ADR chapter 3.5) are two separate ways of sending small amounts of dangerous goods without a placarded vehicle. LQ covers retail-sized inner packs, up to a limit set per substance, and is marked with the black-and-white LQ diamond. EQ covers much smaller amounts, set by a code from E1 to E5, and is marked with the hatched EQ label. Which one is allowed, and how much, is set for each UN number in the Dangerous Goods List.
Where the limits come from
Every UN number has a row in Table A of ADR chapter 3.2, the Dangerous Goods List. Column 7a gives the Limited Quantity limit for one inner packaging, and column 7b gives the Excepted Quantity code. A figure of zero in 7a, or E0 in 7b, means that route is not available for that substance.
Section 14 of the safety data sheet gives the UN number and packing group. With those two, the LQ and EQ limits can be read straight from the table. This is the step that answers most of our enquiries, and it is why we ask for the UN number before anything else.
Limited Quantity (ADR 3.4)
LQ is for goods in small inner packagings (bottles, tins, aerosols) placed in a strong outer box. Each inner packaging must be at or below the column 7a limit for that substance. A combination package must not exceed 30 kg gross mass, and inner packagings on a shrink-wrapped or stretch-wrapped tray must not exceed 20 kg gross.
The package carries the LQ mark: a square set on its point, with the top and bottom triangles black and the centre white. It is normally at least 100 mm by 100 mm and may be reduced to 50 mm by 50 mm if the package is small. A version with a "Y" in the centre, used for air, is also accepted on the road.
LQ consignments do not need an ADR transport document. Before carriage the consignor must tell the carrier the total gross mass of LQ goods in the consignment, in a form that can be traced. On larger vehicles, over 12 tonnes maximum mass and carrying more than 8 tonnes of LQ goods, the vehicle itself shows the LQ mark front and rear.
Excepted Quantity (ADR 3.5)
EQ is for very small amounts: laboratory reagents, samples, test kits. The code in column 7b sets two limits, one per inner packaging and one per outer package. For liquids the figure is in millilitres, for solids grams.
- E1: 30 per inner packaging, 1,000 per outer package.
- E2: 30 per inner packaging, 500 per outer package.
- E3: 30 per inner packaging, 300 per outer package.
- E4: 1 per inner packaging, 500 per outer package.
- E5: 1 per inner packaging, 300 per outer package.
How EQ is packed, marked and documented
EQ packaging is three layers: an inner packaging, an intermediate packaging (with enough absorbent for the whole contents if it is a liquid) and a strong rigid outer. The completed package must survive drop and stacking tests set out in 3.5.3. The outer carries the EQ mark, a square with a hatched border, showing the class of each substance and the name of the consignor or consignee if it is not shown elsewhere on the package.
No more than 1,000 EQ packages may be carried in any one vehicle. No ADR transport document is required, but if any document travels with the goods, such as a delivery note, it must state "Dangerous goods in excepted quantities" and the number of packages.
What still applies to both
Neither route is unregulated. Everyone involved in the carriage, including our drivers, still needs awareness training under ADR chapter 1.3. The goods must be classified correctly, packed correctly and secured on the vehicle. What falls away is the heavy end: no ADR vocational certificate for the driver, no orange plates, no placards, and the LQ and EQ goods do not count towards the 1.1.3.6 points total.
If the marking is missing or wrong, the exemption does not apply. The goods are then simply undeclared dangerous goods, which is a far worse position for consignor and carrier alike. We will refuse a package that claims LQ or EQ and is not marked as such.
What we need from you
The UN number and packing group for each product, the size of each inner pack, the number of outer boxes, and the total gross weight of the LQ goods. For EQ, the E-code and the number of packages. A photo of a marked box helps. With that we can confirm in writing that the consignment travels as LQ or EQ before we send a van.
This page explains the framework; it is not a compliance opinion on your consignment. Send us the UN number, the packing group and the weight or volume per package and we will tell you in writing which route it travels under.
What X-Eagle will carry
ADR-trained driver available. Full ADR loads are accepted subject to class and quantity, confirmed before booking; small-quantity / Limited Quantity loads handled routinely. Send us the UN number, class, packing group and quantity and we will tell you in writing whether we can take it before you book — if a load is outside what we can carry, we say so on the first call.
What we will not carry
- Packages described as LQ or EQ that are not marked as such.
- Placarded (full ADR) loads as a routine service: we quote them only case by case, with the class and quantity confirmed before booking.
- Class 1 explosives and Class 7 radioactive material.
Common questions
What is the difference between Limited Quantity and Excepted Quantity?
Both let small amounts of dangerous goods travel without a placarded vehicle. Limited Quantity (ADR 3.4) covers retail-sized inner packs up to a per-substance limit and uses the black-and-white LQ diamond. Excepted Quantity (ADR 3.5) covers much smaller amounts set by codes E1 to E5, needs triple packaging and uses the hatched EQ mark.
What do the EQ codes E1 to E5 mean?
They set the maximum per inner packaging and per outer package. E1 is 30 g or ml per inner and 1,000 per outer; E2 is 30 and 500; E3 is 30 and 300; E4 is 1 and 500; E5 is 1 and 300. E0 means the substance cannot be sent as an Excepted Quantity.
Does a Limited Quantity consignment need a dangerous goods note?
Not under ADR for road. The consignor must tell the carrier the total gross mass of LQ goods before carriage, in a traceable form. Other modes, such as sea, have their own documentation rules.
Is there a maximum weight for an LQ box?
Yes. A combination package must not exceed 30 kg gross mass, and a shrink-wrapped or stretch-wrapped tray must not exceed 20 kg gross. The limit on each inner packaging is set per substance in column 7a.
Can LQ and EQ goods travel with other dangerous goods?
They can, and they do not count towards the 1.1.3.6 points total for the other goods. Tell us everything on the load so we can check the whole picture.
Send us the UN number and we will tell you how it travels
The UN number, the packing group and the quantity per package settle it in one call. We will put the answer in writing before anything is collected.