一票 UN1170（乙醇，Class 3，PG II）的电商货昨晚送到机场货站，外箱清清楚楚贴了「3」号易燃液体菱形标签，DGD 也是双人复核过的。今天早上货代群里炸开锅——地服直接退件。 退件原因写了一行字：「方向箭头缺失，CAO 标签贴在错误一侧，UN 号字高不达标。」 客户在那头催出货，工厂在国内等着回程车，机场柜台告诉你下一班机已经满舱。这种事情几乎每周都在国内大大小小的 DG 货代仓库里上演。问题从来不在 DG 货本身，而在「外箱上贴的那一堆东西」到底要按什么规则走。 这一篇把 IATA DGR 第 7 章 Marking & Labelling 的核心规则一次性拆给你——什么是标签、什么是标记、什么时候必须贴、贴在哪里、字要多大、颜色要怎么走，一线 60% 的「莫名其妙退件」就靠这一章兜底。
一、Marking 和 Labelling 不是一回事
很多人把这两个词当同义词混用，实际上 IATA DGR 把它们严格分开：
| 概念 | 是什么 | 长什么样 | 主要功能 |
|---|
| Marking（标记） | 文字、数字、符号 | 印刷 / 喷涂 / 手写 / 贴纸 | 提供「身份」「数量」「方向」等可读信息 |
| Labelling（标签） | 标准化菱形或矩形图案 | 彩色印刷标签贴纸 | 提供「危险类型」「操作要求」的视觉警示 |
举例对比：
- 标记：外箱上印的「UN1170」「Ethanol」「Net Weight: 18 kg」「This way up 文字」
- 标签：外箱角落贴的红底火焰 Class 3 菱形标签、黄底火焰 Class 5.1 标签、Lithium Battery 黑白标签
两者的法律地位不同。标记错了通常可以现场用记号笔补；标签错了往往要重打包。这是为什么熟练的操作员每次复核都会先看标签、再看标记。
二、9 大类危险品标签：图案、颜色、尺寸
主类标签的设计已经在 ICAO TI 和 IATA DGR 第 7 章里写死，全球承运人共用同一套视觉系统。下表是一线最常用的「随手卡」：
| 标签 | 类别 | 图案 | 颜色 | 数字 |
|---|
| Class 1 | 爆炸品 | 爆炸图案 + 1.1/1.2/.../ 1.6 子类编号 + 配比组字母 | 橙底黑字 | 写 1 + 子类 |
| Class 2.1 | 易燃气体 | 火焰 | 红底黑/白字 | 写 2 |
| Class 2.2 | 非易燃非毒性气体 | 气瓶 | 绿底黑/白字 | 写 2 |
| Class 2.3 | 毒性气体 | 骷髅头 | 白底黑字 | 写 2 |
| Class 3 | 易燃液体 | 火焰 | 红底黑/白字 | 写 3 |
| Class 4.1 | 易燃固体 | 火焰 + 红白相间条纹 | 红白条纹底，黑字 | 写 4 |
| Class 4.2 | 自燃物质 | 火焰 | 上半白、下半红 | 写 4 |
| Class 4.3 | 遇水放出易燃气体 | 火焰 | 蓝底白/黑字 | 写 4 |
| Class 5.1 | 氧化剂 | 火焰之上加圆圈（O₂）符号 | 黄底黑字 | 写 5.1 |
| Class 5.2 | 有机过氧化物 | 火焰 | 上半红、下半黄 | 写 5.2 |
| Class 6.1 | 毒性物质 | 骷髅头 | 白底黑字 | 写 6 |
| Class 6.2 | 感染性物质 | 三个新月叠加在圆上 | 白底黑字 + 必备文字说明 | 写 6 |
| Class 7 | 放射性物质 | 三叶辐射符号 | 黄/白底黑字 + I/II/III 等级 | 写 7 |
| Class 8 | 腐蚀性物质 | 液体腐蚀手/金属图案 | 上半白、下半黑 | 写 8 |
| Class 9 | 杂项危险品 | 上半 7 条竖向黑条纹 | 白底，上部条纹 | 写 9 |
| Class 9A | 锂电池专用 9 类 | 同 Class 9 + 底部加电池图案 | 同 Class 9 | 写 9 + 电池 |
主类标签最小尺寸 100×100 mm 的正方菱形，旋转 45° 摆放。极小包件（如医疗样本）可以缩到不小于 50×50 mm，但要保证视觉清晰。颜色必须是 IATA 规定的标准印刷色，褪色、糊版、错色都会被打回。
三、次类标签的特别规则
DGL 表里如果某个 UN 号在「Subsidiary Risk」列有值，就要在主类标签旁边再贴一个次类标签。次类标签和主类标签长得一模一样，但有一条关键差别：
- 主类标签：底部写 Class 数字（如 "3"、"8"、"6"）
- 次类标签：底部不写 Class 数字，只画图案
这一条全球地服都按死规矩查。新人最容易栽的就是「把主类标签复用一张到次类位置」——结果两个标签都写了数字，等于把次类「也声明成主类」，直接退件。
举例：UN1796 硝酸/硫酸混合物，Class 8 主类 + Class 5.1 次类。外箱要贴：
- 一张「8」字主类（白黑配色的腐蚀图案）
- 一张「无数字」次类（黄底氧化剂图案）
两个标签摆放上彼此邻近、互不遮挡。
四、操作标签（Handling Labels）：决定怎么搬、怎么装、怎么飞
操作标签不是「危险类型」，而是「操作要求」。下面是空运里使用最频繁的 5 个，搞清楚它们能省掉一半退件：
1. Cargo Aircraft Only（CAO，仅限货机）
- 颜色：橙黑相间
- 最小尺寸：120×110 mm
- 贴附位置：紧邻主类标签，在包件相对两侧
- 适用：大部分 Class 1（1.4S 除外）、超出客机限量的 Class 3 / 4 / 5 / 8 / 9 货物
这是地服查得最严的操作标签之一。CAO 货走到客机柜台等于把人吓个半死。贴 CAO 之前一定要确认 DGD 上「Aircraft Type」字段写的是 "Cargo Aircraft Only" 或缩写 CAO，两边一致。
2. Lithium Battery Handling Label（锂电池操作标签）
- 颜色：白底，左侧红边框 + 含字符 "9"，中间电池图案
- 最小尺寸：120×110 mm（小件可用 105×74 mm）
- 必填内容：UN 号（UN3090/3091/3480/3481）+ 联系电话
- 适用：所有走 Section II 的锂电池包件（PI 965-970 Section II）
锂电池标签的电话栏一定要填真实可联系到 24 小时应急处理人的电话。机场出事时这个电话会被拨打。
3. Magnetized Material（磁性材料）
- 颜色：黑白
- 最小尺寸：110×90 mm
- 适用：当距包件表面 4.5 m 处磁场强度 > 0.00525 高斯时（UN2807）
磁场强度需要供应商出测试报告。跨境电商发硬盘、扬声器、磁性玩具的高频踩坑。
4. Cryogenic Liquid（低温液体）
- 颜色：绿色
- 最小尺寸：100×100 mm
- 适用：液氮、液氩等低温液化气体
5. Keep Away from Heat（远离热源）
- 颜色：红色火焰图案 + 黑色禁止符号
- 最小尺寸：110×90 mm
- 适用：温控有机过氧化物、自反应物质等温度敏感 DG
按这 5 个核对完，操作标签层面退件概率会下降一个数量级。如果你需要快速生成、对照贴附位置和尺寸，可以直接用 OneCargoKit 的 Cargo Label Generator，工具内置 IATA 标准模板，按品类一键出图。
6. 标签印刷工艺与材质要求（一线高频忽略点）
操作标签不只是"打印贴上"。IATA DGR 第 7 章对标签材质和印刷工艺有一组隐性要求：
| 要求项 | 一线常见做法 | 风险 |
|---|
| 颜色保真 | 用普通彩色打印机 + A4 纸 | 红/橙/黄褪色快、雨淋发花 |
| 耐久性 | 用普通双面胶贴 | 高湿环境 7-10 天就脱落 |
| 防水 | 不防水 | 海运拼柜或航空货舱凝水后糊掉 |
| 抗摩擦 | 表面无覆膜 | 装柜搬运中蹭花 |
专业做法：用合成纸（PP / 撕不烂纸）+ 防水油墨印刷 + 自带强力胶背贴。一张标签贵几毛钱，但在到目的港时仍清晰可读。
便宜替代：实在赶时间，至少在普通彩印标签外层加一层透明胶带覆膜，能扛 30 天潮湿环境。这是国内中小货代仓库最常用的"应急合规"做法。
五、标记（Marks）：UN 号、PSN、净重和方向箭头
标记是文字 + 数字 + 符号，决定外箱「写了什么字」。一线最常用的有六组：
1. UN 号 + PSN（外箱必备最基础信息）
- 必须包含：
UN+四位编号、PSN（必须英文，按 DGL 表大小写） - 字高：最小通常要求 6 mm（小包件可缩小，但要清晰可读）
- 位置：外箱主可视面，与标签邻近但不遮挡
- 颜色：和外箱底色形成清晰对比（黑色字 + 浅色底为佳）
举例外箱印字：
`` UN1170 Ethanol Net Weight: 18 kg ``
注意：PSN 必须和 DGL 完全一致，包括括号、逗号、大小写。机器扫描和人眼复核都会比对。
2. Y 标记（限量标记 Limited Quantity）
- 形状：菱形，上下尖端用粗黑线
- 最小尺寸：100×100 mm
- 位置：包件外侧
- 适用：符合限量豁免条件的各类 DG
走限量货时，Y 标记替代主类标签——但方向箭头仍然要贴。
3. E 标记（例外数量标记 Excepted Quantity）
- 形状：菱形，红边框 + 内部数字
- 最小尺寸：100×100 mm
- 必填内容：主要危险品类别号（如 "3" / "8" / "9"）+ 发货人/收货人姓名
- 适用：极少量 Class 3-9 危险品（按 IATA DGR 第 2.7 章具体阈值）
E 标记是「准豁免」流程的入口标记。
4. Environmentally Hazardous（环境危害物质，鱼与树标记）
- 形状：菱形，黑白图案（鱼 + 树）
- 最小尺寸：100×100 mm
- 适用：UN3077（固态）、UN3082（液态）等环境有害物质
容易漏：很多锂电池电解液、清洁剂、稀有金属化合物都符合环境危害条件。SDS 第 12 节会提示。
5. Overpack（合装标记）
- 必备字样：OVERPACK（大写英文）
- 必填内容：内部各包件的危险品标签和标记需要在外层重新标注或保持可见，总毛重和件数也要标
- 适用：所有合装的 DG 包件
合装时一定要在外层留出空间显示所有内部标签的副本。
6. This Way Up（方向箭头，含液体 DG 必备）
- 颜色：黑色或红色箭头，长方形
- 最小尺寸：74×105 mm
- 数量：两个，贴在包件相对两侧的竖直方向
- 适用：所有含液体 DG 的组合包装
方向箭头不能漏贴、不能贴反、不能只贴一侧。这是地服开箱核对的第一动作。
六、贴附的物理规则：位置、可见性、清晰度
把标签和标记做对了，还有最后一关——物理粘贴是否合规。IATA DGR 第 7 章对这个有一组硬性要求：
| 规则 | 内容 |
|---|
| 颜色保真 | 标签必须使用 IATA 标准印刷色，禁止褪色、模糊 |
| 不可遮挡 | 标签彼此之间、标签与标记之间不能互相覆盖 |
| 不可分散 | 主类标签 + 次类标签必须贴在同一面，方便地服一眼读出 |
| 表面平整 | 不能贴在缠膜外（缠膜会反光遮挡） |
| 持久性 | 海上、空中、潮湿环境下 90 天内仍清晰可读 |
| 双侧贴附 | 操作标签（如 CAO、方向箭头）必须贴在相对两侧 |
| 主面优先 | 主类标签贴在外箱「能直立朝外」的主可视面 |
| 不可重叠 | 标签和已有的运输标记（如条码、AWB 贴）不能重叠 |
实战提示：如果外箱已经被运输标贴（AWB 号、贴纸、客户唛头）占用了主面，建议先规划好标签位置，再让运营贴 AWB 标贴。倒过来做就要重新撕标贴，一拉拉坏外箱，整票货又要返工。
七、标签与标记的对应组合：一张速查表
下面这张表是按「常见 UN 货品 → 必备标贴清单」做的速查，给一线操作员当随手卡：
| UN 号举例 | 主标签 | 次类 | 操作标签 | 必备标记 |
|---|
| UN1170（乙醇 PG II） | Class 3 | 无 | CAO（超客机量时） | UN+PSN+净重 + 方向箭头 |
| UN1796（硝酸/硫酸） | Class 8 | Class 5.1（无数字） | 无 | UN+PSN+净重 + 方向箭头 |
| UN3480（锂离子电池单独 PI965 II） | Class 9A | 无 | 锂电池操作标签 | UN+PSN+净重 + 联系电话 |
| UN1845（干冰） | Class 9 | 无 | 无 | UN+PSN+净重 + 重量必标 |
| UN2807（磁性材料） | 通常无 | 无 | 磁性材料标签 | UN+PSN+净重 |
| UN3373（B 类感染性物质 PI650） | 无菱形标签（用专门标记） | 无 | 无 | UN3373 菱形标 + PSN（Biological Substance, Category B） |
| UN3077 / UN3082（环境危害） | Class 9 | 无 | 无 | 鱼与树标 + UN+PSN+净重 |
| UN1950（气雾剂） | Class 2.1 | 无 | CAO（视具体型号） | UN+PSN+净重 + 方向箭头 |
派工前用 OneCargoKit 的 Dangerous Goods Check 输入 UN 号，会自动列出对应的主标签、次类、操作标签清单，省掉翻第 7 章对照表的时间。配合 Cargo Label Generator 直接出图打印，30 秒搞定外箱贴附方案。
八、常见误区
- 误区 1：次类标签上要写 Class 数字 —— 错。次类标签只画图案，不写数字。这是地服第一抽查点。
- 误区 2：UN 号写错不要紧，反正有 PSN —— 错。UN 号是全球唯一身份证，写错等于「这票货是另一种危险品」，按瞒报处理。
- 误区 3：方向箭头贴一个就够了 —— 错。必须两个，贴在包件竖直相对两侧。
- 误区 4：标签可以贴在缠膜上 —— 错。缠膜会反光、模糊、易剥落，必须贴在外箱本体上。
- 误区 5：CAO 标签可以选贴可不贴 —— 错。CAO 货必须贴，且与 DGD 上的「Aircraft Type」字段一致。
- 误区 6：限量 Y 标记 + Class 3 标签同时贴更稳妥 —— 错。走限量时 Y 标替代主类标签，不重复贴；但方向箭头要保留。
- 误区 7：标签褪色一点没事，能看就行 —— 错。颜色失真即视为不合规。
- 误区 8：Overpack 不用复刻内部标签到外层 —— 错。要么外层透明可见所有内层标签，要么在外层重新打印贴附。
- 误区 9：所有 Class 9 都贴同一张标签 —— 半对。锂电池有专用 9A 标签（底部加电池图案），与普通 Class 9（仅竖条纹）有区别。
- 误区 10：「这次航司没查到没事」 —— 风险心态。所有抽查都是概率性的，一次出事代价是整票货 + 客户信任 + 航司黑名单。
九、实操检查清单：装柜前 90 秒过一遍
- [ ] 主类标签：图案、颜色、尺寸、菱形朝向是否正确
- [ ] 主类标签底部「数字」写了
- [ ] 次类标签（若有）：底部无数字，只有图案
- [ ] 操作标签（CAO / 锂电池 / 磁性 / 低温 / 远离热源）按需贴齐
- [ ] 锂电池标签填了 UN 号 + 24 小时应急电话
- [ ] UN 号 + PSN + 净重清晰标注在主可视面
- [ ] PSN 写法和 DGL 完全一致（大小写、括号、空格、N.O.S. 技术名补全）
- [ ] 含液体 → 方向箭头 ×2 贴在相对两侧
- [ ] 限量 Y 标 / 例外数量 E 标按规格贴附
- [ ] 环境危害物质鱼与树标（若适用）
- [ ] Overpack 外层标 OVERPACK + 件数 + 总毛重 + 内部所有标签可见或复刻
- [ ] 标签未被缠膜、唛头、AWB 标贴遮挡
- [ ] 颜色未褪色、未模糊、未掉色
- [ ] 所有标签贴在外箱本体（非缠膜外）
派工前还要核算 AWB 上的件数、毛重、体积重要和 DGD、外箱标记完全对齐。可以用 OneCargoKit 的 Chargeable Weight Calculator 跑一遍计费重，避免 AWB 和外箱标记不一致这种低级错。
十、给三类岗位的判定方法
| 岗位 | 标贴决策核心动作 | 输出 |
|---|
| 货代操作 | 收货时按 UN 号反查必备标签清单 → 验外箱 | 是否接收、是否退回重贴 |
| 跨境电商运营 | 选品时确认包装供应商能否提供 IATA 标准标签印刷 | 物流通道选择 + 包装方案 |
| 工厂 / 供应商 | 出厂前按 IATA 模板印刷标签，留底备查 | 出货合规 |
跨境电商最容易忽略的是「电商外箱定制」环节——很多卖家用通用电商纸箱，再贴 DG 标签贴纸。这样做没问题，但要确保：
- 贴纸尺寸不小于 IATA 最小要求
- 贴纸材质能承受 90 天潮湿环境
- 外箱主可视面留出足够空间（不被快递面单挤掉）
十一、合规与边界提醒
- 本文是基于公开的 IATA DGR 第 7 章 Marking & Labelling 体系做的实操梳理，不构成法律、合规或安全建议
- 各标签的最小尺寸、颜色规范、图案细节以现行版 IATA DGR 第 7 章为准
- 各国对印刷颜色、标签材质有补充规定（如某些国家要求耐火、耐溶剂），跨境时按目的国民航 / 海关要求执行
- 不同承运航司（OV）可能对操作标签提出额外要求，起运前查最新版变更
- 锂电池、感染性物质、放射性物质走专门标贴规则，本文未深入展开，建议另行专题
十二、结尾：标贴是 DG 链路上「最直观的合规信号」
DG 全链路里，标签和标记是唯一肉眼能直接看到的合规证据。DGD 锁在文件夹里、UN 包装码印在外箱底部、PI 规则在手册第 5 章——但标签和标记直接贴在外箱面上，地服一眼判定。
这意味着两件事：
- 它最难造假。错的标贴 = 全员都能看到的不合规
- 它最容易出错。任何一个新手都能贴错，且错了基本无法在机场现场补救
把这一章练熟，最直接的好处是「派工后能够安心睡觉」。你知道哪些标贴必备、哪些位置必须、哪些尺寸必达，你的货就不会半夜被退件叫醒你。
下一篇我们继续往合规链路终点走：DGD 危险品申报单逐字段填写手册——从 Shipper / Consignee / AWB 到 Quantity and Type of Packing、再到签名栏，每一格写错的代价和正确写法。我们下次见。
A shipment of UN1170 (ethanol, Class 3, PG II) from an e-commerce platform arrived at the airport cargo terminal last night. The outer packaging clearly displayed the diamond-shaped “3” flammable liquid label, and the DGD had been double-checked by two people.This morning, the freight forwarders’ group chat was in an uproar—ground handling staff had rejected the shipment outright. The reason for rejection was a single line: “Directional arrow missing, CAO label affixed to the wrong side, and UN number font height does not meet standards.” The client is pressing for shipment on the other end, the factory back home is waiting for a return truck, and the airport counter tells you the next flight is already fully booked. This kind of situation plays out almost every week in DG freight forwarder warehouses big and small across the country. The problem is never with the DG cargo itself, but rather with what rules to follow regarding “all that stuff affixed to the outer packaging.” This article breaks down the core rules of Chapter 7, “Marking & Labeling,” in the IATA DGR all at once—what constitutes a label, what constitutes a marking, when they must be applied, where to place them, how large the text must be, and what colors to use. This chapter alone covers 60% of all “inexplicable rejections” on the front lines.
I. Marking and Labeling Are Not the Same Thing
Many people use these two terms interchangeably as synonyms, but in fact, the IATA DGR strictly distinguishes between them:
| Concepts | What Is It | What It Looks Like | Primary Function |
|---|
| Marking | Text, numbers, symbols | Printed / Sprayed / Handwritten / Stickers | Provides legible information such as “identity,” “quantity,” and “direction” |
| Labelling | Standardized diamond-shaped or rectangular patterns | Color-printed label stickers | Provides visual warnings for “hazard type” and “operational requirements” |
Comparison Examples:
- Markings: “UN1170,” “Ethanol,” “Net Weight: 18 kg,” and “This way up” printed on the outer carton
- Label: Red-background Class 3 diamond label with a flame symbol, yellow-background Class 5.1 label with a flame symbol, and black-and-white “Lithium Battery” label affixed to the corner of the outer carton
The legal status of the two differs. Incorrect markings can usually be corrected on-site with a marker; incorrect labels often require repackaging. This is why experienced operators always check the labels first, then the markings, during every review.
II. Labels for the 9 Major Categories of Dangerous Goods: Symbols, Colors, and Dimensions
The design of main-class labels is strictly defined in ICAO TI and IATA DGR Chapter 7; carriers worldwide use the same visual system. The table below shows the most commonly used “quick-reference cards” on the front lines:
| Label | Category | Symbol | Color | Number |
|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives | Explosives symbol + 1.1/1.2/.../1.6 subclass number + mixture group letter | Black text on an orange background | Write 1 + subclass |
| Class 2.1 | Flammable Gases | Flame | Black/white text on a red background | Write 2 |
| Class 2.2 | Non-flammable, non-toxic gas | Gas Cylinder | Green background with black/white lettering | Mark 2 |
| Class 2.3 | Toxic gas | Skull | Black text on a white background | Write 2 |
| Class 3 | Flammable Liquid | Flame | Black/white text on a red background | Write 3 |
| Class 4.1 | Flammable solids | Flame + red and white stripes | Red-and-white striped background, black text | Write 4 |
| Class 4.2 | Self-heating substances | Flame | White top, red bottom | Write 4 |
| Class 4.3 | Releases flammable gas upon contact with water | Flame | Blue background with white/black text | Mark 4 |
| Class 5.1 | Oxidizer | Circle above the flame (O₂) symbol | Yellow background with black text | Write 5.1 |
| Class 5.2 | Organic peroxides | Flame | Red top, yellow bottom | Write 5.2 |
| Class 6.1 | Toxic Substances | Skull | Black text on a white background | Write 6 |
| Class 6.2 | Infectious substances | Three crescents superimposed on a circle | Black text on a white background + required text description | Write 6 |
| Class 7 | Radioactive Material | Three-leaf radiation symbol | Black text on a yellow/white background + I/II/III classification | Write 7 |
| Class 8 | Corrosive Substances | Liquid corrosive to skin/metal symbol | White top, black bottom | Write 8 |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods | Upper half: 7 vertical black stripes | White background, with stripes at the top | Write 9 |
| Class 9A | Class 9 for Lithium Batteries Only | Same as Class 9 + battery symbol at the bottom | Same as Class 9 | Mark “9” + battery |
The main class label must be a square or rhombus with minimum dimensions of 100×100 mm, oriented at a 45° angle.For very small packages (such as medical samples), the label size may be reduced to no less than 50×50 mm, provided the label remains clearly legible. Colors must be the standard printing colors specified by IATA; faded, smudged, or miscolored labels will be rejected.
III. Special Rules for Subclass Labels
If a UN number in the DGL table has a value in the “Subsidiary Risk” column, a subsidiary class label must be affixed next to the main class label. The subsidiary class label looks exactly the same as the main class label, but there is one key difference:
- Main Class Label: The Class number (e.g., “3,” “8,” “6”) is printed at the bottom
- Subclass label: The Class number is not printed at the bottom; only the symbol is displayed
Global ground handling staff strictly enforce this rule. A common mistake made by newcomers is “reusing a main class label for the subsidiary class position”—resulting in both labels displaying a number, which effectively “declares the subsidiary class as the main class” and leads to immediate rejection of the shipment.
Example: UN1796, a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, is Class 8 (main class) + Class 5.1 (subclass). The outer packaging must be labeled with:
- One “8” main class label (black-and-white corrosion symbol)
- One “no-number” subclass label (yellow background with oxidizer symbol)
The two labels must be placed adjacent to each other without obstructing one another.
IV. Handling Labels: Determine how to handle, load, and transport
Handling labels do not indicate “hazard types,” but rather “operational requirements.” Below are the five most frequently used labels in air freight; understanding them can cut the number of returned shipments in half:
1. Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)
- Color: Alternating orange and black
- Minimum size: 120 × 110 mm
- Placement: Adjacent to the main class label, on opposite sides of the package
- Applicable to: Most Class 1 shipments (excluding 1.4S), and Class 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 shipments exceeding passenger aircraft limits
This is one of the operational labels that ground handling staff inspect most strictly. If a CAO shipment reaches the passenger check-in counter, it will cause quite a panic. Before affixing the CAO label, you must confirm that the “Aircraft Type” field on the DGD is listed as “Cargo Aircraft Only” or the abbreviation CAO, and that the information matches on both documents.
2. Lithium Battery Handling Label
- Color: White background, red border on the left containing the character “9,” with a battery symbol in the center
- Minimum dimensions: 120 × 110 mm (105 × 74 mm may be used for small items)
- Required Information: UN Number (UN3090/3091/3480/3481) + Contact Phone Number
- Applicable to: All lithium battery packages shipped under Section II (PI 965–970, Section II)
The phone number field on the lithium battery label must contain a valid number for a 24-hour emergency contact. This number will be dialed in the event of an incident at the airport.
3. Magnetized Material
- Color: Black and white
- Minimum Dimensions: 110 × 90 mm
- Applicable: When the magnetic field strength at a distance of 4.5 m from the surface of the package is > 0.00525 gauss (UN2807)
A test report verifying the magnetic field strength must be provided by the supplier. This is a common pitfall for cross-border e-commerce sellers shipping hard drives, speakers, and magnetic toys.
4. Cryogenic Liquid
- Color: Green
- Minimum dimensions: 100 × 100 mm
- Applicable to: Cryogenic liquefied gases such as liquid nitrogen and liquid argon
5. Keep Away from Heat
- Color: Red flame symbol + black prohibition symbol
- Minimum size: 110 × 90 mm
- Applicable to: Temperature-controlled organic peroxides, self-reactive substances, and other temperature-sensitive DGs
Once you’ve verified these 5 points, the probability of label-related returns will drop by an order of magnitude. If you need to quickly generate labels and verify their placement and dimensions, you can use OneCargoKit’s Cargo Label Generator directly. The tool includes built-in IATA-standard templates that allow you to generate labels for specific categories with a single click.
6. Label Printing Process and Material Requirements (A Commonly Overlooked Point on the Front Lines)
Operational labeling is more than just “printing and applying.” IATA DGR Chapter 7 contains a set of implicit requirements regarding label materials and printing processes:
| Requirement | Common Front-Line Practices | Risk |
|---|
| Color Accuracy | Using a standard color printer + A4 paper | Red/orange/yellow fade quickly; bleeding occurs when exposed to rain |
| Durability | Using standard double-sided tape | Peels off in 7–10 days in high-humidity environments |
| Water resistance | Not waterproof | Sticks together due to condensation in LCL sea freight or air cargo holds |
| Abrasion resistance | No surface lamination | Scratches may occur during container loading and handling |
Professional approach: Use synthetic paper (PP / tear-resistant paper) + waterproof ink printing + self-adhesive backing. Each label costs a few mao more, but it remains clearly legible upon arrival at the destination port.
Cheap Alternative: If you’re really pressed for time, at least apply a layer of clear tape over the outer surface of a standard color-printed label; this can withstand a humid environment for up to 30 days. This is the most common “emergency compliance” practice used in the warehouses of small and medium-sized freight forwarders in China.
V. Marks: UN Number, PSN, Net Weight, and Directional Arrows
Markings consist of text, numbers, and symbols, determining “what is written” on the outer carton. The six most commonly used sets on the front lines are:
1. UN Number + PSN (the most basic information required on outer packaging)
- Must include:
UN+四位编号、PSN(Must be in English, using uppercase and lowercase letters as specified in the DGL) - Character height: Minimum requirement is typically 6 mm (may be reduced for small packages, but must remain clearly legible)
- Location: On the main visible surface of the outer carton, adjacent to but not obscuring the label
- Color: Must contrast clearly with the outer carton’s background color (black text on a light-colored background is preferred)
Example of outer box printing:
`` UN1170 Ethanol Net Weight: 18 kg ``
Note: The PSN must match the DGL exactly, including parentheses, commas, and case. Both machine scanning and human verification will check for consistency.
2. Y Mark (Limited Quantity Mark)
- Shape: Rhombus, with top and bottom points outlined in thick black lines
- Minimum dimensions: 100 × 100 mm
- Location: On the outside of the package
- Applicable to: All types of DG that meet the limited quantity exemption criteria
When shipping limited-quantity cargo, the Y mark replaces the main class label—but the directional arrow must still be affixed.
3. E Mark (Excepted Quantity)
- Shape: Rhombus, red border + numbers inside
- Minimum dimensions: 100 × 100 mm
- Required information: Primary hazard class number (e.g., “3” / “8” / “9”) + shipper’s/consignee’s name
- Applicable to: Very small quantities of Class 3–9 dangerous goods (according to specific thresholds in IATA DGR Chapter 2.7)
The E Mark is the entry mark for the “quasi-exemption” process.
4. Environmentally Hazardous (fish and tree symbol)
- Shape: Rhombus, black-and-white graphic (fish + tree)
- Minimum dimensions: 100 × 100 mm
- Applicable to: Environmentally hazardous substances such as UN3077 (solid) and UN3082 (liquid)
Prone to leakage: Many lithium battery electrolytes, cleaning agents, and rare metal compounds meet the criteria for environmental hazards. Section 12 of the SDS will indicate this.
5. Overpack (Overpack Marking)
- Required text: OVERPACK (all capital letters)
- Required Information: The dangerous goods labels and markings on each inner package must be re-affixed to the outer packaging or remain visible; the total gross weight and number of pieces must also be indicated
- Applicable to: All overpacked DG packages
When overpacking, ensure sufficient space is left on the outer packaging to display copies of all internal labels.
6. This Way Up (Directional Arrow; Required for Liquid DG)
- Color: Black or red arrow, rectangular
- Minimum dimensions: 74 × 105 mm
- Quantity: Two, affixed vertically on opposite sides of the package
- Applicable to: All combined packages containing liquid dangerous goods
The directional arrows must not be omitted, applied upside down, or affixed to only one side. This is the first step ground handling staff take when opening and inspecting packages.
VI. Physical Rules for Affixing: Position, Visibility, and Clarity
Even if the labels and markings are correct, there is one final hurdle—ensuring the physical affixing complies with regulations. IATA DGR Chapter 7 sets forth a set of mandatory requirements for this:
| Rules | Content |
|---|
| Color Accuracy | Labels must use IATA standard printing colors; fading or blurring is prohibited |
| Must not be obscured | Labels must not overlap with each other or with markings |
| No Separation | The main class label and subclass label must be affixed to the same side to allow for easy, at-a-glance reading |
| Surface must be flat | Do not apply labels on top of stretch wrap (stretch wrap reflects light and obscures the label) |
| Durability | Remains clearly legible for 90 days in maritime, aerial, and humid environments |
| Double-sided application | Operational labels (such as CAO, directional arrows) must be applied to the opposite sides |
| Primary Side First | The main category label must be affixed to the primary visible surface of the outer carton where it “can stand upright and face outward” |
| No Overlapping | Labels must not overlap with existing shipping markings (e.g., barcodes, AWB labels) |
Practical Tip: If the main surface of the outer carton is already occupied by shipping markings (AWB numbers, stickers, customer markings), it is recommended to plan the label placement first before having operations apply the AWB label. Doing it the other way around will require peeling off the existing labels, which can damage the outer carton upon removal and result in the entire shipment having to be reprocessed.
VII. Corresponding Combinations of Labels and Markings: A Quick Reference Chart
The table below is a quick reference guide organized by “Common UN Goods → Required Label List,” designed as a handy reference card for frontline operators:
| UN Number Examples | Main Label | Subclass | Operational Label | Required Markings |
|---|
| UN 1170 (Ethanol, PG II) | Class 3 | None | CAO (when exceeding passenger aircraft capacity) | UN+PSN+Net Weight + Directional Arrow |
| UN1796 (Nitric Acid/Sulfuric Acid) | Class 8 | Class 5.1 (no number) | None | UN + PSN + Net Weight + Directional Arrow |
| UN3480 (Lithium-ion batteries, separate PI965 II) | Class 9A | None | Lithium Battery Operating Label | UN+PSN+Net Weight + Contact Number |
| UN1845 (Dry Ice) | Class 9 | None | None | UN + PSN + Net Weight + Weight (must be labeled) |
| UN2807 (Magnetic Materials) | Usually none | None | Magnetic Material Label | UN + PSN + Net Weight |
| UN3373 (Class B Infectious Substances PI650) | No diamond-shaped label (marked with a special designation) | None | None | UN3373 Diamond Label + PSN (Biological Substance, Category B) |
| UN3077 / UN3082 (Environmentally Hazardous) | Class 9 | None | None | Fish and Tree Label + UN + PSN + Net Weight |
| UN1950 (Aerosol) | Class 2.1 | None | CAO (depending on specific model) | UN + PSN + Net Weight + Directional Arrow |
Before dispatching, enter the UN number into OneCargoKit’s Dangerous Goods Check, and it will automatically list the corresponding main label, subclass, and operational label requirements, saving you the time of looking up the cross-reference table in Chapter 7. Combined with the Cargo Label Generator, you can generate and print labels directly—completing the outer packaging labeling plan in 30 seconds.
VIII. Common Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The subclass label must include the Class number — Wrong. The subclass label only displays the symbol; no numbers are written. This is the first item ground handling staff will check during spot inspections.
- Misconception 2: It doesn’t matter if the UN number is wrong—we have the PSN anyway —— Wrong. The UN number is a globally unique identifier; entering it incorrectly is equivalent to stating “this shipment contains a different type of dangerous goods” and will be treated as misdeclaration.
- Misconception 3: One directional arrow is enough — Wrong. Two are required, affixed to opposite vertical sides of the package.
- Misconception 4: Labels can be affixed to stretch wrap — Wrong. Stretch wrap is reflective, can cause blurring, and is prone to peeling; labels must be affixed directly to the outer packaging itself.
- Misconception 5: The CAO label is optional —— Wrong. It is mandatory for CAO shipments and must match the “Aircraft Type” field on the DGD.
- Misconception 6: It’s safer to affix both the Limited Quantity “Y” mark and the Class 3 label —— Wrong. When shipping as a limited quantity, the “Y” mark replaces the main class label; do not affix both. However, the directional arrow must be retained.
- Misconception 7: It’s okay if the label fades a little, as long as it’s legible —— Wrong. Any color distortion is considered non-compliant.
- Misconception 8: You don’t need to reproduce the internal labels on the outer layer of an overpack —— Wrong. Either the outer layer must be transparent so that all inner labels are visible, or the labels must be reprinted and affixed to the outer layer.
- Misconception 9: All Class 9 shipments use the same label —— Partially correct. Lithium batteries require a dedicated 9A label (with a battery symbol at the bottom), which differs from standard Class 9 labels (which feature only vertical stripes).
- Misconception 10: “The airline didn’t catch it this time, so it’s fine” — A risky mindset. All spot checks are probabilistic; a single incident can cost you the entire shipment, customer trust, and a spot on the airline’s blacklist.
IX. Practical Checklist: Review in 90 seconds before container loading
- [ ] Main Class Label: Check that the symbol, color, size, and orientation of the diamond are correct
- [ ] “Number” written at the bottom of the primary category label
- [ ] Subcategory label (if applicable): No numbers at the bottom; only the graphic
- [ ] Operational labels (CAO / Lithium Battery / Magnetic / Low Temperature / Keep Away from Heat Sources) are all affixed as required
- [ ] Lithium battery label includes UN number + 24-hour emergency phone number
- [ ] UN number + PSN + net weight clearly marked on the main visible surface
- [ ] The PSN is written exactly as in the DGL (including capitalization, parentheses, spaces, and the full technical name for N.O.S.)
- [ ] Contains liquid → Two directional arrows affixed on opposite sides
- [ ] Limit Y label / Exception Quantity E label affixed according to specifications
- [ ] “Fish and Tree” symbol for environmentally hazardous substances (if applicable)
- [ ] Overpack: Label on outer layer with “OVERPACK” + number of pieces + total gross weight; all internal labels must be visible or reproduced
- [ ] Labels must not be obscured by stretch wrap, markings, or AWB labels
- [ ] Colors must not be faded, blurred, or discolored
- [ ] All labels are affixed to the outer carton itself (not on the stretch wrap)
Before dispatching, verify that the number of pieces, gross weight, volumetric weight, DGD, and outer carton markings on the AWB are fully consistent. Use OneCargoKit’s Chargeable Weight Calculator to calculate the chargeable weight and avoid basic errors such as discrepancies between the AWB and outer carton markings.
X. Criteria for Classifying the Three Job Categories
| Position | Labeling Decision Key Actions | Output |
|---|
| Freight Forwarder Operations | Upon receipt, cross-reference the required label list based on the UN number → Inspect outer packaging | Determine whether to accept or return for relabeling |
| Cross-Border E-Commerce Operations | When selecting products, confirm whether the packaging supplier can provide IATA-standard label printing | Logistics Route Selection + Packaging Solutions |
| Factory / Supplier | Print labels according to the IATA template before shipment and keep copies for reference | Shipping Compliance |
The most commonly overlooked aspect of cross-border e-commerce is the “customization of e-commerce outer packaging”—many sellers use generic e-commerce cardboard boxes and simply affix DG label stickers to them. While this approach is acceptable, ensure that:
- The sticker size meets or exceeds the IATA minimum requirements
- The sticker material can withstand a humid environment for 90 days
- Sufficient space is left on the main visible side of the outer box (so it is not obscured by the shipping label)
XI. Compliance and Boundary Reminders
- This article is a practical guide based on the publicly available IATA DGR Chapter 7 “Marking & Labeling” system and does not constitute legal, compliance, or safety advice
- The minimum dimensions, color specifications, and design details for each label are subject to the current version of Chapter 7 of the IATA DGR
- Different countries may have additional regulations regarding print colors and label materials (e.g., some countries require fire-resistant or solvent-resistant materials); for cross-border shipments, follow the civil aviation and customs requirements of the destination country
- Different operating carriers (OVs) may impose additional requirements on operational labels; check the latest updates before shipment
- Lithium batteries, infectious substances, and radioactive materials are subject to specific labeling rules, which are not covered in depth in this article; a separate topic is recommended
XII. Conclusion: Labels are the “most visible sign of compliance” in the DG supply chain
Throughout the entire DG supply chain, labels and markings are the only evidence of compliance that is directly visible to the naked eye. The DGD is locked away in a folder, the UN packaging code is printed on the bottom of the outer packaging, and PI regulations are found in Chapter 5 of the manual—but labels and markings are affixed directly to the surface of the outer packaging, allowing ground handling staff to verify compliance at a glance.
This implies two things:
- They are the hardest to forge. An incorrect label = non-compliance visible to everyone
- They’re the most prone to errors. Any novice can apply them incorrectly, and once a mistake is made, it’s virtually impossible to correct it on-site at the airport
Mastering this chapter offers one immediate benefit: “you can sleep soundly after dispatching a shipment.” When you know which labels are mandatory, where they must be placed, and what dimensions are required, you won’t be woken up in the middle of the night by a return notice.
In the next article, we’ll continue toward the end of the compliance process: a field-by-field guide to filling out the DGD Dangerous Goods Declaration—from Shipper/Consignee/AWB to Quantity and Type of Packing, all the way to the signature section, covering the consequences of errors in each field and the correct way to fill them out. See you next time.