一个跨境电商运营每天都被同一个问题折磨：「我这款 50 mL 香水 / 100 mL 酒精消毒液 / 5g 含锂电池玩具，到底要不要按完整 DG 走？能不能跟普通货一样直接发？」 资深货代的标准答案是："看是否落在不受管制 / 例外数量 / 限量这三档豁免内。" 这三档豁免是 IATA DGR 体系里最值钱的一部分知识——它直接决定了你能否绕开完整 DG 的高昂成本（DG 附加费、CAO 全货机、专业操作员、复杂文件）。但它也是误区最多的一部分——许多卖家以为"小量就能豁免"，结果整票货按瞒报处理。 这一篇我们把不受管制 / 例外数量 / 限量这三档完整拆给你看。
一、三档豁免的本质：从严到宽的「分级递减」
IATA DGR 把"可以走简化流程"的货分成三档，按从最完整到最豁免排序：
| 档位 | 英文简称 | 中文 | 实操含义 |
|---|
| 完整 DG | Full DG | 完整危险品 | 完整 DGD + UN 包装 + 全标签 + DG 培训操作员 |
| 限量 | LQ / Limited Quantity | 限量 | 简化 DGD + Y 类包装 + Y 标记 + 限量阈值内 |
| 例外数量 | EQ / Excepted Quantity | 例外数量 | 无 DGD + 简化包装 + E 标记 + 极小量阈值内 |
| 不受管制 | Not Regulated | 不受管制 | 完全按普货走，没有 DG 限制 |
注意这张表是从严到宽的"递降阶梯"——能走更宽档位的货也能走更严档位（反过来不行）。也就是说，符合 LQ 条件的货当然也可以选择按完整 DG 走，符合 EQ 条件的货也可以选择按 LQ 走。为什么有人主动选更严？通常是为了简化跨多个航司、多条航线时的统一流程——用最严档位走，所有航司都接受，省去逐个查 OV 的麻烦。这是大型 DG 货代偶尔会用的策略。
关键理解：
- 这是从严到宽的"门槛递降"
- 越往下豁免越多，但符合条件的范围也越窄
- 每一档都有明确的物理量阈值——超过阈值就要往上一档走
- 三档之间不能"自己降级"——必须严格按 DGL 表给定的列对应
二、不受管制（Not Regulated）：完全按普货走
什么算"不受管制"
DGL 表里如果某个物质没有 UN 号、没有 PSN，或者 SDS 里明确写"Not Regulated for Air Transport"——那这票货完全按普货走，没有 DG 约束。
但要小心几种常见的"看似不受管制实则要走 DG"的情况：
常见误判 1：稀释后的不受管制溶液
某些化学品纯品是 DG，稀释到一定浓度以下不受管制。例如：
- 双氧水 ≤ 8% → 不受管制
- 8% - 20% → UN2984，Class 5.1，PG III
- 20% - 60% → UN2014，Class 5.1，PG II
- \> 60% → UN2015，Class 5.1，PG I
实操：浓度边界值附近的货物不能凭经验，必须看 COA 报告核对浓度。
常见误判 2：含 DG 成分的成品
很多成品含有微量 DG 成分，但成品本身可能不受管制。例如：
- 含微量酒精的化妆品（酒精含量 < 24% 通常不受管制）
- 含微量易燃溶剂的清洁剂
- 含极少量锂的电子产品
判定要看 SDS 第 14 节是否明确写"Not Regulated"，不能自己猜。
常见误判 3：电池设备
含锂电池的设备永远不是"不受管制"——即使锂含量很低、瓦时很小，仍然属于 Class 9（UN3481/UN3091），至少要走 Section II 简化流程。这是跨境电商最容易栽的坑。
三、例外数量（Excepted Quantity / EQ）：最宽豁免，但量极小
例外数量是 IATA DGR 第 2.6 章规定的最宽豁免之一。核心条件：
- 单内瓶最大量：液体 ≤ 30 mL / 固体 ≤ 30 g（不同 EQ 代码阈值不同）
- 单外箱总净量：液体 ≤ 500 mL / 固体 ≤ 500 g（具体看 EQ 代码）
- 仅限部分 Class（通常 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 9）适用
- 部分 Class 1 / 2 / 7 不允许例外数量
EQ 代码体系（E0 - E5）
DGL 表的"Excepted Quantity"列会给出一个代码：
| 代码 | 单内瓶最大 | 单外箱总最大 |
|---|
| E0 | 不允许例外数量 | —— |
| E1 | 最严限制（具体阈值看 DGL） | 较严 |
| E2 | 中等限制 | 中等 |
| E3 | 较宽限制 | 较宽 |
| E4 | 更宽限制 | 更宽 |
| E5 | 最宽限制 | 最宽 |
E 代码的隐藏价值：很多新人只盯着 E1-E5 的"量"差异，忽略了 E 代码本身就是一个筛选机制。同一个 UN 号在不同浓度 / 形态下的 E 代码会不同，这意味着你可以通过调整产品配方或包装规格，让一款商品从 E2 升到 E4 甚至更宽。这是一种合法的"合规优化"——例如把工业级稀释到一定浓度后，单瓶可装的量从 30 mL 直接放宽到 100 mL，对小包装电商货是质的飞跃。这种优化需要工厂和货代联合设计配方与包装方案，是大型跨境电商团队的内功之一。
实操查询：在 Dangerous Goods Check 输入 UN 号，工具会直接显示该 UN 号的 EQ 代码和具体阈值，省去翻 DGR 第 2.6 章。
例外数量货的合规要素
- 包装：组合包装，内瓶 + 缓冲 + 外箱
- 外箱标记：E 标记（菱形红边，菱形内写主危险类别号）
- DGD：通常不需要，但部分目的国仍要求简化申报
- 培训：仍需托运人接受过简化版 DG 知识培训
- 数量验证：单 EQ 包装内可装 ≤ 1 kg / 1 L 总净量
四、限量（Limited Quantity / LQ）：跨境电商最常用的"半豁免"
限量是 IATA DGR 第 2.7 章规定的中间档豁免，比例外数量宽得多，是跨境电商最常用的豁免方式。
LQ 的核心条件
- 单内瓶最大量：液体 ≤ 5 L、固体 ≤ 5 kg（具体看 DGL "LQ PI" 列）
- 单外箱总最大：通常 ≤ 30 L / 30 kg
- 必须按 LQ 专门包装（Y 类等级或同等）
- 必须贴 Y 标记 + 方向箭头
LQ 的判定方法
DGL 表的"Ltd Qty PI"列：
- 空白或 "Forbidden" → 不能走 LQ
- Y 开头编号（如 Y341、Y364） → 可以走 LQ，按编号查 LQ PI 详细规则
LQ 的成本优势
LQ 之所以受跨境电商欢迎，是因为它在合规和成本之间找到了最佳平衡点。具体优势：
- 包装成本下降：Y 类包装比完整 DG 的 X 类包装便宜约 30-40%
- 航司附加费下降：DG 附加费按是否走完整 DG 来收，LQ 通常按"半 DG"或"普货+"费率
- 舱位限制放宽：LQ 通常可走客机，不必排队等 CAO 全货机
- 培训成本下降：LQ 不需要持牌 CAT 6 操作员全程介入，简化培训人员即可处理
- 报关时效快：LQ 简化 DGD 让海关复核更快，整体出货时效缩短 1-2 个工作日
实际算账：单件成本（包装 + 标贴 + 文件 + 附加费）走完整 DG 可能在数百到上千元，走 LQ 可能压到完整 DG 的一半甚至更低。批量发货时累计省下的钱非常可观。这就是为什么跨境电商在选品时，会优先选择能走 LQ 的小规格 SKU——不是因为这些 SKU 利润更高，而是因为整体物流成本可控。
LQ 的合规要素
- 包装：Y 标记菱形 + 方向箭头（液体必备）
- DGD：简化 DGD 或部分免 DGD（按起运 / 目的国 SV）
- AWB SHC：写
LQT - 限量证书：起运人需出具 LQ 合规声明
- 不需 CAO：通常可走客机
跨境电商最常见的"100 mL × 24 瓶香水 / 消毒液"组合，正是典型 LQ 货。每瓶 100 mL 远低于 5 L 上限，整外箱 2.4 L 远低于 30 L 上限，符合 Y341 PI 要求。
派工时用 Cargo Label Generator 直接生成 Y 标记，配合 Packing Size Advisor 算最优内瓶布局，是跨境电商 LQ 货的标准工作流。
五、三档豁免的核心区别速查
| 维度 | 不受管制 | 例外数量 EQ | 限量 LQ | 完整 DG |
|---|
| 适用范围 | 不在 DGL 表的物质 | 极小量 DG | 中等量 DG | 大量或高风险 DG |
| 单瓶最大 | 无限制 | ≤ 30 mL/g | ≤ 5 L/kg | 按 PI 限重 |
| 单外箱最大 | 无限制 | ≤ 500 mL/g 或 1 kg/L | ≤ 30 L/kg | 按 PI 限重 |
| DGD | 不需要 | 通常不需要 | 简化或免 | 完整 |
| 外箱标贴 | 普货标 | E 标记 | Y 标记 + 方向箭头 | 完整 DG 主标 + 操作标 |
| Class 标签 | 无 | 无 | 无（用 Y 标） | 必备 |
| UN 包装 | 不需要 | 简化包装 | Y 等级 | 严格按 PI |
| CAO 限制 | 无 | 无 | 通常无 | 部分要 CAO |
| DG 培训 | 不需要 | 简化培训 | 持牌操作员 | 持牌操作员（CAT 6） |
六、跨境电商最常发的 5 类货走哪档
1. 50-100 mL 香水 / 化妆品（含酒精）
- UN1170 或 UN1987 或 UN1950（按形态）
- 首选 LQ（Y341 / Y364 等）
- 内瓶 ≤ 5 L、外箱 ≤ 30 L 完全 OK
- 单 SKU 内瓶 ≤ 30 mL 时可走 EQ（更省）
2. 消毒湿巾 / 含酒精洁面膏（固体形态）
- 含酒精浸渍棉片：UN1170 / Y341
- 多数情况下走 LQ
- 部分极小包装可走 EQ
3. 含微量精油 / 香薰
- 精油本身可能 Class 3 易燃液体
- 单瓶 ≤ 30 mL → EQ 可行
- 单瓶 ≤ 5 L → LQ 可行
- 大瓶装精油（如 1 L 工业包装）走完整 DG
4. 含纽扣电池的小玩具 / 电子贺卡
- UN3091，PI 970 Section II（不是 EQ 也不是 LQ）
- 锂电池永远不能走 EQ 或 LQ，必须走对应 Section
- 但 Section II 本身就是简化流程
5. 含磁性材料的小商品
- UN2807，没有 EQ 也没有 LQ
- 必须走完整 DG 流程
- 这是跨境电商发硬盘 / 强磁玩具最容易栽的坑
6. 干冰包装的冷链小件
- UN1845 干冰，没有 EQ 也没有 LQ
- 即使是几公斤的小件冷链生鲜，仍然要按 Class 9 完整流程走
- 跨境冷链生鲜电商必须从一开始就按完整 DG 设计物流方案
- 这一点很多刚入行的冷链卖家会被卡在第一票货
7. 含液化气体的喷雾型产品
- 含液化丙烷 / 丁烷推进剂的化妆品喷雾 / 防晒喷雾 / 防虫剂
- 大部分是 UN1950，Class 2.1 易燃气体
- Class 2 通常不允许走 EQ，只能走 LQ 或完整 DG
- 单件容量 ≤ 一定阈值时可走 LQ，否则必须走完整 DG
- 跨境电商发气雾剂类产品必须看清这一条
七、不能用 EQ / LQ 的常见品类
并不是所有 DG 都能走豁免。下列品类必须走完整 DG，不能走 EQ / LQ：
- 锂电池（必须走 PI 965-970 Section）
- 磁性材料（UN2807）
- 干冰（UN1845）
- 大部分 Class 1 爆炸品
- 大部分 Class 7 放射性物质
- 感染性物质 A 类（UN2814 / UN2900）
- 部分 Class 5.2 有机过氧化物
- 部分 Class 4.2 自燃物质
遇到这些品类时，"小量豁免"思路完全行不通，只能走完整 DG。
八、瞒报降级的代价：行业血淋淋的教训
跨境电商最容易做的事：明明应该走完整 DG，但为了省钱报 LQ 甚至普货。这种"主动降级"在合规语境里叫做瞒报（misdeclaration）。
瞒报代价分三层：
1. 直接损失
- 整票货被海关 / 航司扣留 → 不能交付
- 返运 + 仓储 + 改单费用 → 高额成本
- 客户索赔 → 信誉损失
2. 间接损失
- 该航司将托运人列入"高风险"档案 → 未来 12-24 个月所有发货加严抽检
- 该国海关将托运人列入"重点关注" → 出口频率受影响
- 国际航空货运协会数据库可能留档
3. 法律责任
- 民航当局罚款（金额依国家而异）
- 严重瞒报可触发刑事调查
- 公司董事 / 实际控制人可能承担个人责任
瞒报 1 次的代价远高于走完整 DG 的成本。这是跨境物流圈早就达成共识的一句话。
更现实的考虑是：瞒报的代价会跨年累积。某次出事被列入航司高风险档案后，未来 12-24 个月你公司发的所有货——哪怕完全合规——都会被加严抽检。这意味着出货时效拉长、客户投诉增加、续约率下降。许多跨境电商公司在被列入黑名单之后才悟到一个道理：短期省下来的合规费用，远不够长期失去的客户信任。这种损失没有账单，但会从根本上侵蚀公司未来的增长曲线。
九、常见误区
- 误区 1：「量小就豁免」 —— 错。量小不等于符合 EQ 阈值，必须按 DGL 表 EQ 代码核对。
- 误区 2：「不受管制」可以自己判 —— 错。必须以 DGL 表 + SDS 第 14 节为准。
- 误区 3：「LQ 货不用任何 DG 标贴」 —— 错。LQ 货必须贴 Y 标记 + 方向箭头。
- 误区 4：「EQ 货不用申报」 —— 半对。EQ 货不需要完整 DGD，但需简化版申报 + 培训记录留底。
- 误区 5：「锂电池小就能走 EQ」 —— 错。锂电池永远不能走 EQ 或 LQ，必须走 Section II/IB/IA。
- 误区 6：「LQ 货可以混装其他 DG」 —— 部分对。LQ 货合装仍要过 Table 9.3.A 兼容性矩阵。
- 误区 7：「LQ 货不用查 OV / SV」 —— 错。部分航司 OV 对 LQ 仍有限制。
- 误区 8：「Y 标记就是限量证明」 —— 半对。Y 标记是包装上的合规标识，DGD / SHC 上也要相应标注。
- 误区 9：「不受管制就完全免责」 —— 半对。即使法规层面不受管制，托运人仍对货物声明真实性负责。
- 误区 10：「Section II 锂电池就是 LQ」 —— 错。Section II 是锂电池专门的简化流程，不属于 LQ 体系。
十、实操检查清单：豁免判定 60 秒
- [ ] 查 DGL 表确认 UN 号是否存在
- [ ] 不在 DGL 且 SDS 写 "Not Regulated" → 不受管制
- [ ] 在 DGL → 查 EQ 列代码（E0-E5）
- [ ] 单内瓶 + 单外箱量符合 EQ 阈值 → 走 EQ
- [ ] 不符合 EQ → 查 LQ PI 列
- [ ] LQ PI 列为 Y 编号 → 走 LQ
- [ ] LQ PI 列为 Forbidden 或空白 → 走完整 DG
- [ ] 锂电池 → 永远走对应 PI Section，不走 EQ/LQ
- [ ] 磁性材料 / 干冰 / 爆炸品 / 放射性 → 永远走完整 DG
- [ ] 起运 / 过境 / 目的国 SV 已查（部分国家对 LQ 有额外要求）
- [ ] 承运航司 OV 已查（部分航司不接 EQ / LQ）
- [ ] 包装、标贴、文件按对应豁免档位准备齐全
- [ ] 保留豁免判定的查询记录留档
十一、给三类岗位的判定方法
| 岗位 | 豁免判定核心动作 | 输出 |
|---|
| 货代 / 操作 | 拿 SDS + UN 号 → 查 DGL → 定档 → 出对应文件 | 完整合规方案 |
| 跨境电商运营 | 选品时按 SKU 提前判定能走哪一档 | 上架决策 + 物流方案 |
| 工厂 / 供应商 | 出 SDS + COA + UN 包装 | 让货代少返工 |
跨境电商运营如果是首次发某 SKU，建议先用 Dangerous Goods Check 对 UN 号过一遍三档判定，再发样品测试整个物流通道。等到批量发货时整个流程已经定型，不会临时被卡。
十二、合规与边界提醒
- 本文是基于公开的 IATA DGR 第 2.6（EQ）和 2.7（LQ）章节做的实操梳理，不构成法律、合规或安全建议
- 具体 EQ / LQ 阈值以现行版 IATA DGR为准
- 各国对 EQ / LQ 的承认程度不同，部分国家 SV 加严
- 各承运航司 OV 对 EQ / LQ 可能有额外限制
- 锂电池、磁性材料、干冰、爆炸品、放射性物质等不能走 EQ / LQ
- 豁免判定建议由具备 DG 资质的人员主审，不要凭直觉降级
- 瞒报降级的法律和商业代价极高，不要为短期成本铤而走险
十三、结尾：豁免是合规框架内的"省钱通道"，不是"绕过合规的捷径"
许多跨境电商把 EQ / LQ 当成"省钱手段"——确实没错，走 LQ 比走完整 DG 能省 30-50% 的物流成本。但这套豁免体系存在的前提是严格按规则判定 + 严格按阈值控量 + 严格按要求贴标贴单。
豁免不是免责。它只是把"完整 DG 流程的合规负担"换成"豁免阈值内的合规负担"。这两种负担的法律地位是完全等价的——只是动作不同。
真正的合规思维应该是：
- 选品阶段就把 SKU 按三档豁免分类，决定走哪条物流通道
- 包装阶段严格按豁免档位要求做（Y 标 / E 标 / UN 标的差异化采购）
- 发货阶段按豁免档位走文件流程（DGD / SHC / OV / SV）
- 复盘阶段建立 SKU - 档位对应表，作为公司内部资产
这套思路做下来，你的物流成本能稳定降下来，合规风险能稳定守住。这就是这套 10 篇 IATA DGR 系列长文的最终目的——让你既能省钱，也能睡得着觉。
到这里，我们的 IATA DGR 系列长文就告一段落了。从 9 大类分类、UN/PSN/Class/PG 识别、PG/PI 包装、标签标记、DGD 申报、锂电池专题、Table 9.3.A 兼容性、SHC 操作代码、OV / SV 变更，到这一篇的豁免三档——你已经拿到了一线 DG 货代日常工作里 80% 的合规底层。剩下的 20% 是经验，是你在每一票真实货物里反复打磨出来的"业务肌肉"。
祝你每一票货都安全到达、每一份 DGD 都一次过审、每一次拼柜都精准合规。
Cross-border e-commerce operators are plagued by the same question every day: “Do I really need to ship this 50 mL bottle of perfume / 100 mL bottle of hand sanitizer / 5 g toy containing a lithium battery as full DG cargo? Can I just ship it like regular goods?” The standard answer from seasoned freight forwarders is: “It depends on whether it falls under one of the three exemption categories: non-regulated, exempt quantities, or limited quantities.” These three exemption categories represent the most valuable knowledge within the IATA DGR system—they directly determine whether you can avoid the high costs associated with full DG shipping (DG surcharges, CAO all-cargo flights, specialized handlers, and complex documentation).But it’s also the part with the most misconceptions—many sellers assume that “small quantities are automatically exempt,” only to have their entire shipment treated as misdeclared. In this article, we’ll break down these three exemption categories—Unregulated, Exception Quantities, and Quantity Limits—for you in detail.
I. The Essence of the Three Exemption Categories: A “Graduated Decrease” from Strictest to Most Lenient
IATA DGR categorizes cargo eligible for “simplified procedures” into three tiers, ranked from the most comprehensive to the most exempt:
| Category | English Abbreviation | Chinese | Practical Implications |
|---|
| Full DG | Full DG | Full Dangerous Goods | Complete DGD + UN Packaging + Full Labeling + DG-Trained Operator |
| Limited Quantity | LQ / Limited Quantity | Limited Quantity | Simplified DGD + Class Y Packaging + Y Marking + Within the Limited Quantity Threshold |
| Excepted Quantity | EQ / Excepted Quantity | Excepted Quantity | Non-DGD + Simplified Packaging + E Marking + Within the de minimis threshold |
| Not Regulated | Not Regulated | Not Regulated | Handled entirely as general cargo; no DG restrictions |
Note that this table follows a “descending ladder” from strictest to least strict—shipments eligible for a less restrictive category can also be shipped under a stricter one (but not vice versa). In other words, shipments meeting LQ criteria can certainly choose to be shipped as full DG, and shipments meeting EQ criteria can also choose to be shipped as LQ.Why would someone voluntarily choose the stricter classification? Typically, it’s to simplify the process when shipping across multiple airlines and routes—by using the strictest classification, all airlines will accept the shipment, eliminating the hassle of checking each airline’s operating rules (OV) individually. This is a strategy occasionally used by large DG freight forwarders.
Key Takeaway:
- This is a “decreasing threshold” from strict to lenient
- The lower the tier, the more exemptions there are, but the scope of eligible shipments becomes narrower
- Each tier has a specific physical quantity threshold—exceeding the threshold requires moving up to the next tier
- You cannot “self-downgrade” between the three tiers—you must strictly follow the column correspondences specified in the DGL table
II. Not Regulated: Handled entirely as general cargo
What Constitutes “Not Regulated”
If a substance in the DGL table has no UN number or PSN, or if the SDS explicitly states “Not Regulated for Air Transport,” then that shipment is treated entirely as general cargo and is not subject to DG regulations.
However, be cautious of several common scenarios where a substance “appears to be unregulated but actually requires DG handling”:
Common Misjudgment 1: Diluted Solutions Classified as “Not Regulated”
Certain chemicals are classified as DG in their pure form but are not regulated when diluted below a certain concentration. For example:
- Hydrogen peroxide ≤ 8% → Not regulated
- 8%–20% → UN2984, Class 5.1, PG III
- 20%–60% → UN2014, Class 5.1, PG II
- > 60% → UN2015, Class 5.1, PG I
Practical Guidance: For goods near concentration thresholds, do not rely on experience; you must verify the concentration by checking the COA report.
Common Misjudgment 2: Finished Products Containing DG Components
Many finished products contain trace amounts of DG components, but the finished products themselves may not be regulated. For example:
- Cosmetics containing trace amounts of alcohol (alcohol content < 24% is generally not regulated)
- Cleaning agents containing trace amounts of flammable solvents
- Electronic products containing trace amounts of lithium
Determination depends on whether Section 14 of the SDS explicitly states “Not Regulated”; do not make assumptions.
Common Misjudgment 3: Battery-Powered Devices
Devices containing lithium batteries are never “unregulated”—even if the lithium content is very low and the watt-hours are minimal, they still fall under Class 9 (UN3481/UN3091) and must at least follow the simplified procedure under Section II. This is the most common pitfall for cross-border e-commerce businesses.
III. Excepted Quantity (EQ): The broadest exemption, but limited to extremely small quantities
Excepted Quantities are one of the broadest exemptions specified in Chapter 2.6 of the IATA DGR. Key conditions:
- Maximum quantity per inner container: liquids ≤ 30 mL / solids ≤ 30 g (thresholds vary by EQ code)
- Total net quantity per outer packaging: liquids ≤ 500 mL / solids ≤ 500 g (depending on the specific EQ code)
- Applies only to certain classes (typically 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9)
- No exceptions are permitted for certain Classes 1, 2, and 7
EQ Code System (E0–E5)
The “Excepted Quantity” column in the DGL table provides a code:
| Code | Maximum per inner container | Maximum Total per Outer Box |
|---|
| E0 | No exceptions allowed | —— |
| E1 | Strictest restriction (specific thresholds subject to DGL) | Strict |
| E2 | Moderate restrictions | Moderate |
| E3 | Relatively Loose Restrictions | Broad |
| E4 | Even wider restrictions | Even wider |
| E5 | Widest limit | Widest |
The Hidden Value of E Codes: Many newcomers focus only on the “quantitative” differences between E1 and E5, overlooking the fact that the E code itself serves as a screening mechanism.The E-code for the same UN number varies depending on concentration and form, meaning you can adjust the product formulation or packaging specifications to upgrade a product from E2 to E4 or even a broader category. This is a legitimate form of “compliance optimization”——for example, by diluting an industrial-grade product to a certain concentration, the volume allowed per bottle can be expanded from 30 mL to 100 mL, which represents a qualitative leap for small-package e-commerce goods. This optimization requires manufacturers and freight forwarders to collaborate on formulating and packaging solutions, and it is one of the core competencies of large cross-border e-commerce teams.
Practical Tip: Enter the UN number into Dangerous Goods Check, and the tool will directly display the EQ code and specific thresholds for that UN number, saving you the trouble of looking up Chapter 2.6 of the DGR.
Compliance Factors for Exempted Quantities
- Packaging: Combined packaging—inner bottle + cushioning + outer carton
- Outer Carton Marking: “E” mark (red-bordered diamond with the primary hazard class number inside)
- DGD: Generally not required, but some destination countries still require simplified declaration
- Training: The shipper must still have completed simplified DG training
- Quantity Verification: Total net quantity within a single EQ package must be ≤ 1 kg / 1 L
IV. Limited Quantity (LQ): The most commonly used “partial exemption” for cross-border e-commerce
Limited Quantity is an intermediate exemption specified in Chapter 2.7 of the IATA DGR, offering significantly greater flexibility in quantity beyond the standard limits; it is the most commonly used exemption method in cross-border e-commerce.
Core Conditions for LQ
- Maximum quantity per inner container: liquids ≤ 5 L, solids ≤ 5 kg (refer to the “LQ PI” column in the DGL for specifics)
- Maximum total per outer carton: typically ≤ 30 L / 30 kg
- Must be specially packaged according to LQ requirements (Class Y or equivalent)
- Must be labeled with the “Y” mark and directional arrows
Methods for Determining LQ
"Ltd Qty PI" column in the DGL table:
- Blank or “Forbidden” → Cannot be shipped as LQ
- Code starting with “Y” (e.g., Y341, Y364) → Eligible for LQ; refer to the LQ PI for detailed rules based on the code
Cost Advantages of LQ
LQ is popular among cross-border e-commerce businesses because it strikes the optimal balance between compliance and cost. Specific advantages include:
- Reduced packaging costs: Category Y packaging is approximately 30–40% cheaper than Category X packaging for full DG shipments
- Lower airline surcharges: DG surcharges are based on whether the shipment is classified as full DG; LQ is typically charged at the “half DG” or “general cargo+” rate
- Relaxed space restrictions: LQ can usually be transported on passenger aircraft, eliminating the need to wait for CAO all-cargo flights
- Lower training costs: LQ does not require the full-time involvement of a licensed CAT 6 operator; staff with simplified training can handle it
- Faster customs clearance: LQ’s simplified DGD process allows for quicker customs review, shortening the overall shipment turnaround time by 1–2 business days
Cost Analysis: The per-item cost (packaging + labels + documentation + surcharges) for full DG shipments can range from hundreds to thousands of yuan, whereas LQ shipments can be reduced to half or even less than that of full DG.The cumulative savings on bulk shipments are substantial. This is why cross-border e-commerce businesses prioritize small-sized SKUs that qualify for LQ when selecting products—not because these SKUs yield higher profits, but because overall logistics costs remain manageable.
LQ Compliance Requirements
- Packaging: “Y” mark diamond + directional arrow (required for liquids)
- DGD: Simplified DGD or partial DGD exemption (depending on the origin/destination country’s SV)
- AWB SHC: Indicate
LQT - Limited Quantity Certificate: The shipper must provide an LQ compliance declaration
- No CAO Required: Can typically be shipped on passenger flights
The most common "100 mL × 24 bottles of perfume/hand sanitizer" combination in cross-border e-commerce is a classic example of LQ cargo. At 100 mL per bottle, it is well below the 5 L limit, and the total outer carton volume of 2.4 L is well below the 30 L limit, meeting the requirements of Y341 PI.
When assigning shipments, use the Cargo Label Generator to directly generate the “Y” mark and the Packing Size Advisor to calculate the optimal inner-bottle layout—this is the standard workflow for LQ shipments in cross-border e-commerce.
V. Quick Reference: Key Differences Among the Three Exemption Categories
| Dimension | Unregulated | Exception Quantity (EQ) | Limited Quantity (LQ) | Complete DG |
|---|
| Scope of Application | Substances Not Listed in the DGL Table | Trace quantities DG | Medium-quantity DG | Large Quantities or High-Risk DG |
| Maximum per container | No limit | ≤ 30 mL/g | ≤ 5 L/kg | Subject to PI weight limits |
| Maximum per outer carton | No limit | ≤ 500 mL/g or 1 kg/L | ≤ 30 L/kg | Weight limit per PI |
| DGD | Not required | Generally not required | Simplified or exempt | Complete |
| Outer box label | General cargo label | E mark | Y Marking + Directional Arrow | Complete DG main label + handling label |
| Class Label | None | None | None (uses Y label) | Required |
| UN packaging | Not required | Simplified packaging | Y Class | Strictly in accordance with the PI |
| CAO restrictions | None | None | Usually none | Some require CAO |
| DG Training | Not required | Simplified training | Licensed Operator | Licensed Operator (CAT 6) |
VI. Which Tariff Category Do the 5 Most Common Types of Cross-Border E-Commerce Goods Fall Under?
1. 50–100 mL perfumes/cosmetics (containing alcohol)
- UN1170 or UN1987 or UN1950 (depending on form)
- Preferred: LQ (Y341 / Y364, etc.)
- Inner bottles ≤ 5 L and outer cartons ≤ 30 L are perfectly acceptable
- If the inner container is ≤ 30 mL per SKU, EQ is acceptable (more cost-effective)
2. Disinfectant wipes / Alcohol-based facial cleansers (solid form)
- Alcohol-impregnated cotton pads: UN1170 / Y341
- In most cases, ship via LQ
- Some very small packages may be shipped as EQ
3. Products containing trace amounts of essential oils / aromatherapy products
- Essential oils themselves may be classified as Class 3 flammable liquids
- Single bottle ≤ 30 mL → EQ is acceptable
- Single bottle ≤ 5 L → LQ is acceptable
- Large-volume essential oils (e.g., 1 L industrial packaging) must be shipped as full DG
4. Small toys / e-cards containing button batteries
- UN3091, PI 970 Section II (neither EQ nor LQ)
- Lithium batteries can never be shipped as EQ or LQ; they must be shipped under the corresponding Section
- However, Section II itself is a simplified procedure
5. Small goods containing magnetic materials
- UN2807, neither EQ nor LQ
- Must follow the full DG process
- This is the most common pitfall for cross-border e-commerce sellers shipping hard drives or strong-magnet toys
6. Small cold-chain packages containing dry ice
- UN1845 dry ice; no EQ or LQ
- Even for small cold-chain perishable items weighing just a few kilograms, the full Class 9 process must still be followed
- Cross-border cold-chain fresh food e-commerce businesses must design their logistics plans in accordance with the full DG process from the very beginning
- This is where many new cold-chain sellers get tripped up on their very first shipment
7. Spray-type products containing liquefied gases
- Cosmetic sprays, sunscreen sprays, and insect repellents containing liquefied propane or butane propellants
- Most fall under UN1950, Class 2.1 flammable gases
- Class 2 goods are generally not permitted to be shipped as EQ; they must be shipped as LQ or as full DG
- If the capacity of a single item is ≤ a certain threshold, it may be shipped as LQ; otherwise, it must be shipped as full DG
- Cross-border e-commerce sellers shipping aerosol products must pay close attention to this rule
VII. Common Product Categories That Cannot Use EQ or LQ
Not all DG items qualify for exemptions. The following categories must be shipped as full DG and cannot be shipped as EQ or LQ:
- Lithium batteries (must comply with PI Sections 965–970)
- Magnetic materials (UN 2807)
- Dry ice (UN 1845)
- Most Class 1 explosives
- Most Class 7 radioactive materials
- Infectious Substances, Category A (UN2814 / UN2900)
- Some Class 5.2 organic peroxides
- Some Class 4.2 self-reactive substances
When dealing with these categories, the “small quantity exemption” approach is completely inapplicable; they must be transported as full DG shipments.
VIII. The Cost of Misdeclaration and Downgrading: A Hard-Learned Lesson for the Industry
The easiest thing for cross-border e-commerce businesses to do: when they clearly should be shipping as full DG, they declare it as LQ or even general cargo to save money. This “proactive downgrading” is known as misdeclaration in the context of compliance.
The costs of misdeclaration fall into three categories:
1. Direct Losses
- The entire shipment is detained by customs or the airline → Cannot be delivered
- Return shipping + warehousing + amendment fees → High costs
- Customer claims → Loss of reputation
2. Indirect Losses
- The airline places the shipper on its “high-risk” list → Stricter random inspections for all shipments over the next 12–24 months
- That country’s customs authorities place the shipper on a “priority monitoring” list → Export frequency is affected
- Possible record retention in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) database
3. Legal Liability
- Fines imposed by civil aviation authorities (amounts vary by country)
- Serious underreporting may trigger a criminal investigation
- Company directors and actual controllers may be held personally liable
The cost of a single instance of underreporting far exceeds the cost of fully complying with Dangerous Goods (DG) regulations. This is a long-standing consensus within the cross-border logistics industry.
A more practical consideration is that the costs of misdeclaration accumulate over time. Once your company is flagged in an airline’s high-risk database following an incident, all shipments your company sends over the next 12–24 months—even if fully compliant—will be subject to stricter random inspections.This means longer shipping times, more customer complaints, and lower contract renewal rates. Many cross-border e-commerce companies only realize one truth after being blacklisted: the short-term savings on compliance costs are nowhere near enough to compensate for the long-term loss of customer trust. This loss doesn’t come with an invoice, but it fundamentally erodes the company’s future growth trajectory.
IX. Common Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: “Small quantities are exempt” — Wrong. Small quantities do not automatically mean compliance with the EQ threshold; you must verify against the EQ codes in the DGL table.
- Misconception 2: “Unregulated” can be self-determined — Wrong. You must refer to the DGL table and Section 14 of the SDS.
- Misconception 3: “LQ shipments don’t require any DG labels” — Wrong. LQ shipments must be labeled with a “Y” mark and a directional arrow.
- Misconception 4: “EQ shipments do not require declaration”—Partially correct. EQ shipments do not require a full DGD, but a simplified declaration and a copy of the training record must be retained.
- Misconception 5: “Small lithium batteries can be shipped as EQ” — Wrong. Lithium batteries can never be shipped as EQ or LQ; they must be shipped under Section II/IB/IA.
- Misconception 6: “LQ cargo can be consolidated with other DG” — Partially correct. Consolidated LQ cargo must still pass the compatibility matrix in Table 9.3.A.
- Misconception 7: “LQ shipments do not require checking OV/SV” — Wrong. Some airlines’ OV regulations still impose restrictions on LQ shipments.
- Misconception 8: “The ‘Y’ mark serves as proof of compliance with quantity limits” — Partially correct. The ‘Y’ mark is a compliance label on the packaging; corresponding notation must also appear on the DGD and SHC.
- Misconception 9: “If it’s not regulated, there’s complete exemption from liability” — Partially correct. Even if not regulated by law, the shipper remains responsible for the accuracy of the cargo declaration.
- Misconception 10: “Section II lithium batteries are LQ” — Wrong. Section II is a simplified process specific to lithium batteries; it is not part of the LQ system.
X. Practical Checklist: Exemption Determination in 60 Seconds
- [ ] Check the DGL to confirm whether the UN number exists
- [ ] Not listed in the DGL and the SDS states “Not Regulated” → Not regulated
- [ ] Listed in the DGL → Check the EQ column code (E0–E5)
- [ ] Single inner bottle + single outer carton quantity meets EQ threshold → Proceed under EQ
- [ ] Does not meet EQ threshold → Check the LQ PI column
- [ ] If the LQ PI column contains a “Y” code → Proceed under LQ
- [ ] If the LQ PI column shows “Forbidden” or is blank → Route as full DG
- [ ] Lithium batteries → Always follow the corresponding PI Section; do not follow EQ/LQ
- [ ] Magnetic materials / dry ice / explosives / radioactive materials → Always follow the full DG procedure
- [ ] SV for country of origin / transit / destination has been verified (some countries have additional requirements for LQ)
- [ ] Carrying airline OV has been verified (some airlines do not accept EQ / LQ)
- [ ] Packaging, labels, and documentation are fully prepared in accordance with the applicable exemption level
- [ ] Keep a record of the exemption determination for future reference
XI. Determination Methods for the Three Categories of Positions
| Position | Key Steps for Exemption Determination | Output |
|---|
| Freight Forwarder / Operations | Obtain SDS + UN Number → Look up DGL → Determine Class → Issue Corresponding Documents | Comprehensive Compliance Solution |
| Cross-Border E-Commerce Operations | When selecting products, determine in advance which category each SKU falls under | Listing Decisions + Logistics Solutions |
| Factory / Supplier | Provide SDS, COA, and UN-compliant packaging | Minimize rework for freight forwarders |
For cross-border e-commerce operations, if you’re shipping a particular SKU for the first time, we recommend using the Dangerous Goods Check to verify the UN number against the three classification tiers before shipping a sample to test the entire logistics process. By the time you’re ready for bulk shipments, the entire workflow will be established, preventing last-minute delays.
XII. Compliance and Boundary Reminders
- This article is a practical guide based on the publicly available IATA DGR Chapters 2.6 (EQ) and 2.7 (LQ) and does not constitute legal, compliance, or safety advice
- Specific EQ/LQ thresholds are subject to the current edition of the IATA DGR
- Different countries have varying levels of acceptance regarding EQ/LQ, and some countries impose stricter SV requirements
- Individual carriers’ Operational Vouchers (OVs) may impose additional restrictions on EQ/LQ
- Lithium batteries, magnetic materials, dry ice, explosives, radioactive materials, and other items cannot be transported as EQ or LQ
- Exemption determinations should be reviewed primarily by personnel with DG certification; do not downgrade shipments based on intuition.
- The legal and commercial consequences of misdeclaring or downgrading shipments are extremely severe; do not take risks for short-term cost savings
XIII. Conclusion: Exemptions are a “cost-saving avenue” within the compliance framework, not a “shortcut to bypass compliance”
Many cross-border e-commerce businesses view EQ/LQ as a “cost-saving measure”—and they’re not wrong; shipping via LQ can reduce logistics costs by 30–50% compared to full DG compliance.However, the very existence of this exemption system depends on strictly adhering to the rules for classification, strictly controlling quantities within the thresholds, and strictly following labeling and documentation requirements.
Exemption does not mean exemption from liability. It merely replaces the “compliance burden of the full DG process” with the “compliance burden within the exemption threshold.” The legal status of these two burdens is entirely equivalent—only the procedures differ.
A true compliance mindset should be:
- Classify SKUs into three exemption categories during the product selection phase to determine which logistics channel to use
- During the packaging stage, strictly follow the requirements for each exemption tier (differentiated procurement of Y-labels, E-labels, and UN labels)
- During the shipping stage, follow the documentation process according to the exemption tier (DGD / SHC / OV / SV)
- During the review phase, establish an SKU-to-category mapping table as an internal company asset
By following this approach, you can steadily reduce your logistics costs and effectively manage compliance risks. This is the ultimate goal of this 10-part IATA DGR series—to help you save money and sleep soundly.
This concludes our IATA DGR series of in-depth articles. From the 9 major categories, UN/PSN/Class/PG identification, PG/PI packaging,labeling, DGD declarations, the lithium battery special topic, Table 9.3.A compatibility, SHC operational codes, OV/SV changes, and the three exemption tiers covered in this article—you’ve now mastered 80% of the foundational compliance requirements for the day-to-day work of a frontline DG freight forwarder.The remaining 20% is experience—the “operational muscle” you hone through repeated practice with every actual shipment.
May every shipment arrive safely, every DGD declaration pass review on the first try, and every LCL consolidation be precisely compliant.