一线货代和航司地服的微信沟通里经常出现这种话:「这一票是 RLI + RBM,要不要走 CAO?」「这个 ICE 50kg,明天 LH723 的 LD3 能塞下吗?」「客户那票是 ELI,配载单上要标 EQT」。 如果你看不懂上面这些三字代码,等于在 DG 货代圈里"少了一只耳朵"。这套代码叫 SHC(Special Handling Codes,特殊操作代码),是 IATA Cargo IMP(Interline Message Procedures)体系里规定的三字母简写,全球航司、地服、货代统一使用。 这一篇我们把 DG 相关的高频 SHC 一次性拆给你,让你的货代沟通效率提升一个量级。
一、SHC 是什么:航空货运的"国际通用语言"
SHC 是 IATA 制定的三字母代码,用来在 AWB、配载单、FFM(货运舱单电报)等文件里快速表达货物的特殊操作要求。
它的作用:
- 节省篇幅:一个三字代码代替一句完整的英文描述
- 跨语言:全球所有航司地服都能识别,不用翻译
- 机器可读:航司订舱系统、配载系统、地服仓储管理系统都按 SHC 自动分流
SHC 不是 DG 专有,它也涵盖普货的特殊操作(如鲜活、贵重品、温控)。但 DG 相关的 SHC 是这套体系里约束力最强、错用代价最高的一部分。
二、SHC 在 AWB 和配载单上长什么样
打开任意一张 DG 货 AWB,在 Handling Information 一栏(在 AWB 表头中部偏左)你会看到类似这样的内容:
`` SHC: RLI / CAO / ELI ``
每个三字代码用 "/" 或空格分隔。一票货可能有 1 到 5 个 SHC,不冲突的都可以叠加。
配载单(Loading Manifest)上每件 ULD 的描述里也会按这套代码标识,例如:
`` ULD: AKE12345LH Contents: 5 boxes × UN3481 (RLI), 3 boxes × UN1845 (ICE) SHC Required: RLI / ICE ``
地服在装机前就靠这套代码秒判 ULD 的特殊操作要求——比如 RLI 锂电池要远离 RFG 易燃气体,ICE 干冰要装在通风货舱位。换句话说,SHC 是给"非人类"看的:航司订舱系统、配载算法、地服扫描机、货舱传感器都靠这串字母触发预设动作。任何一个代码出错,整条自动化链路就会卡死或走错方向。这是为什么资深 DG 操作员会强调"SHC 比中文描述重要"——人会读两遍核对,机器只读一遍就执行。
三、DG 相关 SHC 完整速查(按 Class 分组)
下面是按 Class 整理的 DG 高频 SHC。建议截图保存。
Class 1 爆炸品
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RXB | Class 1.4B 爆炸品 |
| RXC | Class 1.4C 爆炸品 |
| RXD | Class 1.4D 爆炸品 |
| RXE | Class 1.4E 爆炸品 |
| RXG | Class 1.4G 爆炸品 |
| RXS | Class 1.4S 爆炸品(民航最常见的允许子类) |
| RGX | 整体爆炸危险(高敏感爆炸品,民航通常禁运) |
Class 2 气体
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RFG | 易燃气体(Class 2.1) |
| RNG | 非易燃非毒性气体(Class 2.2) |
| RPG | 毒性气体(Class 2.3) |
| RCL | 低温液化气体(Cryogenic Liquid) |
Class 3 易燃液体
Class 4
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RFS | 易燃固体(Class 4.1) |
| RSC | 自燃物质(Class 4.2) |
| RFW | 遇水反应物质(Class 4.3) |
Class 5
| 代码 | 含义 |
| ROX | 氧化剂(Class 5.1) |
| ROP | 有机过氧化物(Class 5.2) |
Class 6
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RPB | 毒性物质(Class 6.1) |
| RIS | 感染性物质(Class 6.2 A 类,UN2814 / UN2900) |
| RBM | B 类生物物质(Class 6.2 B 类,UN3373) |
Class 7 放射性
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RRW | 放射性物质(通用) |
| RRY | 放射性 Yellow II 或 III 等级 |
| RRE | 放射性例外包件 |
Class 8 腐蚀性
Class 9 杂项
| 代码 | 含义 |
| RMD | 杂项危险品(Class 9 通用) |
| RLI | 锂离子电池(含聚合物)—— UN3480 / UN3481 |
| RLM | 锂金属电池 —— UN3090 / UN3091 |
| ELI | Section II 锂离子电池(按豁免简化流程) |
| ELM | Section II 锂金属电池(按豁免简化流程) |
| ICE | 干冰(UN1845) |
| MAG | 磁性材料(UN2807) |
操作类(不限 Class)
| 代码 | 含义 |
| CAO | 仅限货机运输 |
| EQT | 例外数量 |
| LQT | 限量 |
| DGD | 已附完整危险品申报单 |
| EBI | 自带电池设备(Equipment with Battery Installed) |
| EBP | 自带电池备件(Equipment with Battery as Spare) |
四、为什么 SHC 比"中文描述"更重要
很多新货代不理解:"我用中文写'锂电池'或者英文写'Lithium Battery',地服又不是看不懂,为什么非要用 RLI / ELI 这种代码?"
原因有三个:
1. 地服处理体量决定了必须用代码
一个中等机场货站每天处理数千到数万件货。地服扫描配载单时不可能逐句读中英文描述,必须用三字代码秒识别。一个 SHC 在系统里对应一套自动化分拣规则——例如 RLI 自动触发"远离 RFG 货舱位"的指令,ICE 自动触发"通风货舱位"指令。没有 SHC,整个机场货流系统就停摆。
2. 跨语言一致性
一票货从北京起运、经迪拜中转、到法兰克福入仓,沿途经手的人讲中文、阿拉伯语、德语。AWB 上的中文 / 英文描述每个国家地服理解可能有偏差,但 SHC 是全球统一的代码,三个机场看到 RLI 都知道是锂离子电池完整 DG 流程。
3. 法律可追溯
一旦出事故,调查人员第一眼看的是 AWB 上的 SHC。如果 SHC 标错或漏标,托运人和货代立刻被认定为"主要过错方"。SHC 是 IATA 公认的合规凭证,错填 = 留下白纸黑字的法律证据。
理解这三层意义后,你就能明白:SHC 不是"额外工作",而是 DG 货代最基础的执业素养。新人接手第一个月就要把 SHC 记得滚瓜烂熟,比记 UN 号更优先。
五、容易混淆的几对 SHC
新人最常搞错下面这几对:
RLI vs ELI(锂离子电池)
- RLI:完整 DG 流程的锂离子电池货(Section IA / IB),需要 DGD、Class 9A 标签、CAO
- ELI:Section II 简化流程的锂离子电池货,只需锂电池操作标签
记忆口诀:E 开头是"例外"(Excepted),走简化。R 开头是"完整"(Regular)。
RLM vs ELM(锂金属电池)
- RLM:完整 DG 流程的锂金属电池(Section IA / IB)
- ELM:Section II 简化流程的锂金属电池
EBI vs EBP(带电池设备)
- EBI:设备已经安装了电池(如笔记本、手机成品)
- EBP:设备和电池分开包装但同包发货(如相机 + 备用电池组)
这两个的判定影响 PI 选择:EBI 走 PI 967/970(装在设备内),EBP 走 PI 966/969(与设备同包)。
RMD vs RLI / RLM
- RMD:Class 9 通用杂项(如干冰之外的其他 Class 9)
- RLI / RLM:Class 9 但特指锂电池
锂电池货不能只标 RMD,必须用 RLI 或 RLM 才能让航司订舱系统正确识别和分流。换句话说:RMD 是"父类",RLI / RLM / ICE / MAG 是"子类"。能用子类时一律用子类,越具体越好,地服和系统都更省事。
六、SHC 在订舱、配载、地服三个环节的作用
SHC 不是"贴个标签就完事",它在 DG 运输全链条里有 3 个关键作用:
1. 订舱阶段(货代 → 航司)
- 货代提交订舱时在 AWB 上标 SHC
- 航司订舱系统识别 SHC 后自动判断是否接受这票货
- 例:航司 OV 拒绝接受 RPG(毒性气体),订舱系统看到 RPG 后直接拒单
2. 配载阶段(航司)
- 配载员按 SHC 决定 ULD 装载方案
- 不同 SHC 的货按兼容性矩阵分配到不同 ULD
- ICE 干冰必须分到通风货舱位,RRW 放射性必须按辐射等级分隔
3. 地服阶段(机场地面)
- 地服按 SHC 提前准备特殊设备
- RLI / RLM 锂电池要准备金属灭火桶
- RCL 低温液化气体要准备特殊温度监控
- RIS 感染性物质要准备隔离区
任何一个环节 SHC 标错都可能导致整票货被拒装。
七、SHC 的填写规范
1. 必须使用 IATA 标准代码
不能自创代码(如"DG"、"DAG")。地服扫描系统无法识别非标代码,会按"未申报"处理。
2. 多 SHC 时用 "/" 分隔
`` SHC: RLI / CAO / ICE ``
不要用逗号或加号。
3. SHC 顺序的"潜规则"
虽然 IATA 没硬性规定 SHC 顺序,但行业惯例:
- CAO 放最前(最严约束)
- Class 标识次之(RLI、RFL 等)
- 操作类放后面(ICE、MAG)
例:CAO / RLI / EBI
4. SHC 和 DGD 必须一致
AWB 上的 SHC 标了 RLI,DGD 上必须出 UN3480 或 UN3481 的完整申报。两者不一致是地服第三高频卡件原因(前两个分别是 DGD 字段错和四方不一致)。
派工前可以用 OneCargoKit 的 SHC Reference 直接搜索 SHC 代码和对应含义,工具内置完整 IATA Cargo IMP 代码表。配合 Dangerous Goods Check 输入 UN 号反查应当用哪些 SHC,是一线最便捷的核对路径。
5. SHC 与 Other Customs Information 区分
AWB 上还有一栏叫 "Other Charges / Reference Information",这里写的是计费相关的备注(例如运费支付方式、目的港代理信息),不要把 SHC 放进去。SHC 必须严格写在 Handling Information 栏。这个错误虽然不会立刻退件,但会让航司订舱系统漏抓 SHC,地服收单时再发现就晚了。
6. 改单流程要走完整 CCA
AWB 一旦签发,SHC 改动必须走 CCA(Cargo Charges Correction Advice)改单——填一份改单申请,向航司提交,经审核后才能生效。改单费用 + 时间成本都不便宜,所以第一次填对比改单划算 10 倍。新人入职头三个月,建议每张 AWB 在交单前都让资深同事复核一次 SHC,避免事后改单。
八、SHC 的实战场景
场景 1:跨境电商发移动电源(PI 965 Section II)
- UN3480,Section II,简化流程
- SHC:
ELI(只这一个) - 不需要 RLI(那是 Section IA/IB 用)
- 不需要 CAO(Section II 可走客机)
场景 2:工业储能电池(PI 965 Section IB)
- UN3480,Section IB,全货机
- SHC:
CAO / RLI - 必须 DGD + Class 9A 主类标签
场景 3:手机成品(PI 967 Section II)
- UN3481,Section II
- SHC:
ELI / EBI(锂电池 Section II + 装在设备内) - 不需要 CAO
场景 4:医疗冷链疫苗(含干冰)
- UN1845 干冰 + UN3373 B 类感染性物质
- SHC:
ICE / RBM - 需要分别申报两个 UN 号
场景 5:硬盘出口(含磁性材料)
- UN2807 磁性材料
- SHC:
MAG - 单独走 DG 流程,不与其他锂电池货合装
掌握这 5 个场景,跨境电商和工业品出口 80% 的 DG 货你都能 30 秒内填出正确 SHC。
九、SHC 在 FFM / FWB / FHL 电报中的传递
很多新人只见过 AWB 上写的 SHC,没意识到 SHC 还在航空货运的"电报系统"里反复传递。这套电报系统是航司之间、航司与货代之间用来同步货物状态的标准化消息。
| 电报类型 | 全称 | 谁发 | SHC 在哪 |
| FFM | Flight Manifest Message | 起运站发给目的站和过境站 | 货物清单中按 ULD 列出 |
| FWB | Air Waybill Message | 货代发给航司 | AWB 电子版的 Handling Information |
| FHL | House Waybill Message | 拼货货代发给航司 | 子单 HAWB 的 Handling Information |
| FSU | Status Update Message | 航司发给货代 | 货物状态变更通知 |
实操含义:
- 你的 SHC 一旦在 FWB 电报里传出去,沿途的所有航司、地服、海关都能看到
- 错填 SHC 不只是这一票货的问题,会留在航司系统里成为"历史记录"
- 资深托运人 / 货代会在公司内部设立 FWB 模板库,新人按模板套用,避免每次手填出错
许多货代会问"FWB 不是航司自动生成的吗,为什么要操心 SHC"——是的,FWB 是系统自动生成,但数据源是 AWB 上的内容。AWB 错了,FWB 跟着错,整条电报链路全错。这就是为什么航空货运里有一句行业老话:"AWB 上写错一个字符,全球都知道"——电报系统的传递速度比你想象的快得多,等你发现错了,目的港地服可能已经收到了你昨天发出去的错单。
十、不同货种的 SHC 组合实战表
不同货种应该用什么 SHC 组合,新人最缺的就是这张参考表。下面这张是按"实务场景 + 标准 SHC 组合"整理:
| 货品场景 | UN 号 | 标准 SHC 组合 | 关键说明 |
| 手机成品(小批量) | UN3481 | ELI / EBI | Section II 简化 |
| 笔记本(成品) | UN3481 | ELI / EBI | 同上 |
| 移动电源(≤100 Wh) | UN3480 | ELI | 不与设备同包 |
| 大功率户外电源 | UN3480 | CAO / RLI | Section IB/IA,全货机 |
| 储能电池模组 | UN3480 | CAO / RLI | 工业级,CAO 必备 |
| 单独售卖电芯 | UN3480 | CAO / RLI 或 ELI | 看 Wh 选 Section |
| 香水 / 化妆品喷雾 | UN1950 | RFG / CAO(视量) | 易燃气体类 |
| 酒精消毒液(小包装) | UN1170 | RFL / LQT | 走限量 |
| 工业酒精桶装 | UN1170 | CAO / RFL | 全货机 |
| 漂白粉 / 双氧水 | UN1748 / UN2014 | ROX | 氧化剂 |
| 工业用胶水(含溶剂) | UN1133 | RFL | 易燃液体 |
| 干冰冷链生鲜 | UN1845 | ICE | 通风货舱 |
| 医疗冷链疫苗(含干冰) | UN1845 + UN3373 | ICE / RBM | 两个 SHC |
| 含纽扣电池的小商品 | UN3091 | ELM | Section II 锂金属 |
| 硬盘 / 强磁扬声器 | UN2807 | MAG | 单独运输 |
| 平衡车 / 电动滑板车 | UN3171 / UN3481 | CAO / RLI | 部分航司禁运 |
| 灭火器 / CO₂ 气瓶 | UN1044 / UN1013 | RNG | 非易燃非毒性气体 |
| 工业级丁烷喷气罐 | UN1075 | CAO / RFG | 易燃气体高浓度 |
| 杀虫剂 / 农药 | UN3077 / UN3082 | RPB / 环境标 | 视含量 |
| 报废 / 召回锂电池 | —— | —— | 禁止空运 |
把这张表打印出来贴在派工台旁边,新人 3 天就能熟悉 80% 常见 DG 货的 SHC 写法。
十一、常见误区
- 误区 1:SHC 是货代自己想的 —— 错。必须用 IATA 标准三字代码。
- 误区 2:DG 就标 RMD 万能用 —— 错。锂电池必须 RLI / RLM 区分,干冰必须 ICE,磁性必须 MAG。
- 误区 3:Section II 也要标 RLI —— 错。Section II 应该用 ELI / ELM(E 开头)。
- 误区 4:CAO 是 SHC 还是标签? —— 都是。AWB 上写 SHC: CAO,外箱贴 CAO 操作标签。
- 误区 5:SHC 写错可以现场改 —— 错。AWB 一旦签发,SHC 改动等于改 AWB,要走改单流程。
- 误区 6:地服会兜底,自己不熟 SHC 也没事 —— 错。SHC 是货代的责任,地服只复核不替你改。
- 误区 7:所有航司用同一套 SHC —— 大部分一致。但少数航司会自定义内部代码(如某些航司用 "BAT" 替代 RLI),起运前看清航司订舱要求。
- 误区 8:SHC 和 Nature of Goods 是同一栏 —— 错。SHC 写在 Handling Information,Nature of Goods 写货物描述,两栏分开。
十二、实操检查清单:AWB 出单前 SHC 核对
- [ ] UN 号已确定
- [ ] 对应 SHC 已查清(用 OCK SHC Reference 或现行 IATA 文档)
- [ ] 锂电池区分 RLI / RLM / ELI / ELM
- [ ] CAO 货标 CAO
- [ ] ICE 干冰货标 ICE + 净重
- [ ] 磁性材料标 MAG
- [ ] 多 SHC 时用 "/" 分隔
- [ ] SHC 顺序按 CAO → Class → 操作类
- [ ] SHC 与 DGD 一致
- [ ] AWB Handling Information 栏填写完整
- [ ] 配载单 SHC 列与 AWB 一致
十三、给三类岗位的判定方法
| 岗位 | SHC 决策核心动作 | 输出 |
| 货代 / 操作 | 出 AWB 前按 UN 号反查 SHC | 完整 SHC 字符串 |
| 跨境电商运营 | 提供品类清单让货代提前判定 | 物流可行性预判 |
| 航司订舱 / 地服 | 收单时按 SHC 自动分流 | 装机方案 |
对跨境电商的额外建议:在选品阶段就把每个新 SKU 的"标准 SHC 写法"和供应商一起确定下来,作为产品资料的一部分存档。这样下次发同款产品时,运营、货代、仓库三方都能直接调用同一套描述,不会出现"上次写 ELI 这次写 RLI"的反复。这种基础数据的统一是大卖家做规模化跨境物流时最容易忽略却最值钱的一项内功。
十四、合规与边界提醒
- 本文是基于公开的 IATA Cargo IMP 体系做的实操梳理,不构成法律、合规或安全建议
- SHC 代码列表会随 IATA 版本更新,以现行版 IATA Cargo IMP 为准
- 部分航司有自定义代码,起运前确认 OV
- SHC 错填会触发航司订舱系统拒单,无法在仓库现场补救
- 锂电池 SHC(特别是 RLI / ELI 区分)是审计重灾区,建议建立内部 SOP
十五、结尾:SHC 是货代专业度的"听诊器"
一个新人和一个资深 DG 货代的差距,往往不在他们看完 IATA DGR 手册有多熟,而在他们和地服微信群对话时能不能听懂"暗号"。
一个客户问"这票走得了客机吗",资深货代心里想的是"先看 Wh 算 Section,再判 RLI 还是 ELI,再看 CAO 是否必须"。新人听到这套话还要查表 3 分钟。这种"代码 → 决策"的反射,需要看够 100 张真实 AWB 才能建立。
建议新人入职时做一件事:把公司过去 30 天发出去的 AWB 调出来,看每一张 Handling Information 栏的 SHC,对照 UN 号反推为什么这么写。看完 30 张你就掌握了行业 80% 的常用 SHC 组合。这是比看手册快 10 倍的学习路径。
除了纸面学习,还有一个更"野"的练法:去机场货站现场跑半天。盯着地服收单台,看他们怎么扫描 AWB、怎么用对讲机喊代码、怎么把 RLI 货推到锂电池专用区。半天下来,那些纸面上死记硬背的代码会立刻变成"看得见摸得着"的业务动作,记忆深度天差地别。许多老牌货代公司的新人培训第三步就是"机场跟跑",原因正在于此。把代码、电报、地服动作三者串起来理解,才算真正进入 DG 货代这个行当。
下一篇我们继续:OV / SV:航司变更与国家变更怎么读,常见坑在哪——这两套规则是 IATA DGR 改版最频繁、影响最直接的部分,也是跨境物流团队最容易"用了去年的规则发今年的货"的雷区。我们下次见。
In WeChat communications between first-line freight forwarders and airline ground handling staff, phrases like these often come up: “This shipment is RLI + RBM—should we process it as CAO?” “This 50-kg ICE shipment—will it fit in LD3 on tomorrow’s LH723 flight?”“The customer’s shipment is ELI; mark it as EQT on the loading list.” If you don’t understand these three-letter codes, it’s like you’re “missing an ear” in the DG freight forwarding community. This set of codes is called SHC (Special Handling Codes), which are three-letter abbreviations defined by the IATA Cargo IMP (Interline Message Procedures) system and used uniformly by airlines, ground handling providers, and freight forwarders worldwide. In this article, we’ll break down the most frequently used DG-related SHCs all at once, taking your freight forwarding communication efficiency to the next level.
I. What Is SHC: The “Universal Language” of Air Freight
SHC is a three-letter code established by IATA to quickly indicate special handling requirements for cargo in documents such as AWBs, loading lists, and FFM (Freight Manifest Telegrams).
Its functions:
- Saves space: A three-letter code replaces a full English description
- Multilingual: Recognized by ground handling staff at all airlines worldwide, eliminating the need for translation
- Machine-readable: Airline booking systems, load planning systems, and ground handling warehouse management systems automatically route cargo based on SHC codes
SHC is not exclusive to Dangerous Goods (DG); it also covers special handling requirements for general cargo (such as perishables, valuables, and temperature-controlled goods). However, DG-related SHCs are the most strictly enforced and carry the highest consequences for misuse within this system.
II. What SHC Looks Like on AWBs and Loading Lists
Open any DG cargo AWB, and in the “Handling Information” section (located slightly to the left of the center of the AWB header), you will see something like this:
`` SHC: RLI / CAO / ELI ``
Each three-letter code is separated by a "/" or a space. A single shipment may have 1 to 5 SHCs; non-conflicting codes can be stacked.
On the Loading Manifest, each ULD is also identified using this code system in its description, for example:
`` ULD: AKE12345LH Contents: 5 boxes × UN3481 (RLI), 3 boxes × UN1845 (ICE) SHC Required: RLI / ICE ``
Ground handling staff use this code to instantly determine a ULD’s special handling requirements before loading—for example, RLI lithium batteries must be kept away from RFG flammable gases, and ICE dry ice must be loaded in a ventilated cargo hold.In other words, SHC codes are intended for “non-human” systems: airline booking systems, loading algorithms, ground handling scanners, and cargo hold sensors all rely on these letter sequences to trigger preset actions.If any single code is incorrect, the entire automated process will stall or go off track. This is why experienced DG operators emphasize that “SHC is more important than the Chinese description”—people will read it twice to verify, but machines execute after reading it just once.
III. Complete Quick Reference for DG-Related SHCs (Grouped by Class)
Below is a list of frequently used DG SHCs organized by Class. We recommend taking a screenshot and saving it.
Class 1 Explosives
| Code | Meaning |
| RXB | Class 1.4B Explosives |
| RXC | Class 1.4C Explosives |
| RXD | Class 1.4D Explosives |
| RXE | Class 1.4E Explosives |
| RXG | Class 1.4G Explosives |
| RXS | Class 1.4S Explosives (the most common permitted subclass in civil aviation) |
| RGX | General Explosive Hazard (Highly Sensitive Explosives; generally prohibited in civil aviation) |
Class 2 Gases
| Code | Meaning |
| RFG | Flammable gases (Class 2.1) |
| RNG | Non-flammable, non-toxic gas (Class 2.2) |
| RPG | Toxic gases (Class 2.3) |
| RCL | Cryogenic liquids |
Class 3 Flammable Liquids
| Code | Meaning |
| RFL | Flammable Liquids (Class 3) |
Class 4
| Code | Meaning |
| RFS | Flammable solids (Class 4.1) |
| RSC | Self-reactive substances (Class 4.2) |
| RFW | Substances Reactive with Water (Class 4.3) |
Class 5
| Code | Meaning |
| ROX | Oxidizing substances (Class 5.1) |
| ROP | Organic peroxides (Class 5.2) |
Class 6
| Code | Meaning |
| RPB | Toxic Substances (Class 6.1) |
| RIS | Infectious substances (Class 6.2, Category A, UN2814 / UN2900) |
| RBM | Biological Substances, Category B (Class 6.2, Category B, UN3373) |
Class 7 Radioactive
| Code | Meaning |
| RRW | Radioactive Materials (General) |
| RRY | Radioactive Yellow II or III Class |
| RRE | Radioactive Exception Packages |
Class 8 Corrosive
| Code | Meaning |
| RCM | Corrosive Substances (Class 8) |
Class 9 Miscellaneous
| Code | Meaning |
| RMD | Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods (Class 9 General) |
| RLI | Lithium-ion Batteries (including polymer) — UN3480 / UN3481 |
| RLM | Lithium Metal Batteries — UN3090 / UN3091 |
| ELI | Section II Lithium-ion Batteries (Simplified Process Under Exemption) |
| ELM | Section II Lithium Metal Batteries (Simplified Process Under Exemption) |
| ICE | Dry ice (UN1845) |
| MAG | Magnetic Materials (UN2807) |
Operational Category (No Class Restriction)
| Code | Meaning |
| CAO | Cargo aircraft only |
| EQT | Exception Quantity |
| LQT | Limited Quantity |
| DGD | Complete dangerous goods declaration form attached |
| EBI | Equipment with Battery Installed (EBI) |
| EBP | Equipment with Battery as Spare |
IV. Why SHC Is More Important Than the "Chinese Description"
Many new freight forwarders don’t understand: “I write ‘锂电池’ in Chinese or ‘Lithium Battery’ in English—the ground handling staff can read it just fine, so why do I have to use codes like RLI or ELI?”
There are three reasons:
1. The volume of cargo handled by ground handling staff makes the use of codes essential
A medium-sized airport cargo terminal handles thousands to tens of thousands of pieces of cargo daily. When ground handling staff scan the loading list, they cannot read the Chinese or English descriptions sentence by sentence; they must use three-letter codes for instant recognition.Each SHC corresponds to a set of automated sorting rules in the system—for example, “RLI” automatically triggers the instruction to “keep away from RFG cargo bays,” while “ICE” automatically triggers the instruction to “ventilated cargo bays.” Without SHCs, the entire airport cargo flow system would grind to a halt.
2. Cross-Language Consistency
A shipment departing from Beijing, transiting through Dubai, and arriving at a warehouse in Frankfurt passes through the hands of people who speak Chinese, Arabic, and German along the way.Interpretations of the Chinese or English descriptions on the AWB may vary among ground handling staff in each country, but SHC codes are globally standardized; ground staff at all three airports will recognize that “RLI” refers to the full DG process for lithium-ion batteries.
3. Legal Traceability
In the event of an accident, investigators look first at the SHC on the AWB. If the SHC is incorrectly marked or omitted, the shipper and freight forwarder are immediately deemed the “primary parties at fault.” The SHC is an IATA-recognized proof of compliance; incorrect entry leaves written legal evidence.
Once you understand these three layers of significance, you’ll realize that the SHC isn’t “extra work”—it’s the most fundamental professional competency for a DG freight forwarder. New hires must memorize the SHC inside and out within their first month on the job; this takes priority over memorizing UN numbers.
V. Commonly Confused SHC Pairs
Newcomers most commonly confuse the following pairs:
RLI vs. ELI (Lithium-Ion Batteries)
- RLI: Lithium-ion battery shipments requiring the full DG process (Section IA / IB), which require a DGD, Class 9A label, and CAO
- ELI: Lithium-ion battery shipments under the simplified Section II process, requiring only a lithium battery handling label
Mnemonic: Words starting with “E” (Excepted) follow the simplified process. Words starting with “R” (Regular) follow the full process.
RLM vs. ELM (lithium metal batteries)
- RLM: Lithium metal batteries under the full DG process (Section IA / IB)
- ELM: Lithium metal batteries under the Section II simplified process
EBI vs. EBP (Equipment with Batteries)
- EBI: Equipment with the battery already installed (e.g., laptops, finished mobile phones)
- EBP: The device and battery are packaged separately but shipped in the same package (e.g., a camera + spare battery pack)
The classification of these two scenarios affects the selection of the PI: EBI uses PI 967/970 (battery installed in the device), while EBP uses PI 966/969 (shipped in the same package as the device).
RMD vs. RLI / RLM
- RMD: Class 9 General Miscellaneous (e.g., Class 9 items other than dry ice)
- RLI / RLM: Class 9, but specifically refers to lithium batteries
Lithium battery shipments cannot be labeled solely as RMD; RLI or RLM must be used so that the airline’s booking system can correctly identify and route them.In other words: RMD is the “parent class,” while RLI / RLM / ICE / MAG are “subclasses.” Whenever possible, use the subclasses—the more specific, the better—as this simplifies the process for both ground handling staff and the system.
VI. The Role of SHC in Booking, Loading, and Ground Handling
SHC is not just a matter of “sticking on a label and calling it a day”; it plays three key roles throughout the entire DG transportation chain:
1. Booking Stage (Freight Forwarder → Airline)
- When the freight forwarder submits a booking, they mark the SHC on the AWB
- Once the airline’s booking system recognizes the SHC, it automatically determines whether to accept the shipment
- Example: If an airline’s Operational Guidelines (OV) prohibit the acceptance of RPG (toxic gas), the booking system will automatically reject the shipment upon detecting “RPG”
2. Stowage stage (airline)
- The load planner determines the ULD loading plan based on the SHC
- Cargo with different SHC classifications is assigned to different ULDs based on the compatibility matrix
- ICE (dry ice) must be assigned to ventilated cargo holds, and RRW (radioactive material) must be segregated according to radiation classification
3. Ground Handling Phase (Airport Ground Operations)
- Ground handling personnel prepare special equipment in advance according to SHC requirements
- Metal fire extinguishers must be prepared for RLI/RLM lithium batteries
- Special temperature monitoring must be prepared for RCL cryogenic liquefied gases
- For RIS (Infectious Substances), an isolation area must be prepared
An incorrect SHC marking at any stage may result in the entire shipment being refused for loading.
VII. SHC Completion Guidelines
1. IATA standard codes must be used
Do not create your own codes (e.g., “DG,” “DAG”). Ground handling scanning systems cannot recognize non-standard codes and will treat them as “undeclared.”
2. Separate multiple SHC entries with a "/"
`` SHC: RLI / CAO / ICE ``
Do not use commas or plus signs.
3. "Unwritten Rules" for SHC Order
Although IATA does not strictly mandate the order of SHCs, industry convention dictates:
- Place the CAO first (strictest constraint)
- Class designators next (RLI, RFL, etc.)
- Operational codes come last (ICE, MAG)
Example:CAO / RLI / EBI
4. SHC and DGD must match
If the SHC on the AWB is marked as RLI, the DGD must include a complete declaration for UN3480 or UN3481. Inconsistency between the two is the third most common cause of shipment delays at ground handling (the top two being incorrect DGD fields and discrepancies among the four parties).
Before dispatching, you can use OneCargoKit’s SHC Reference to directly search for SHC codes and their corresponding meanings; the tool includes a complete IATA Cargo IMP code table. Combined with the Dangerous Goods Check feature—where you enter the UN number to look up the applicable SHC codes—this is the most convenient verification method for frontline staff.
5. Distinguishing Between SHC and “Other Customs Information”
There is also a field on the AWB labeled “Other Charges / Reference Information,” which is intended for billing-related notes (such as freight payment methods or destination port agent information); do not include SHC codes in this field.SHC must be strictly entered in the “Handling Information” field. Although this error won’t result in immediate shipment rejection, it will cause the airline’s booking system to overlook the SHC, and by the time ground handling staff discover it during document processing, it will be too late.
6. Follow the Complete CCA Process for Amendments
Once an AWB is issued, any changes to SHC must be processed via a CCA (Cargo Charges Correction Advice)—you must fill out a correction request, submit it to the airline, and wait for approval before the changes take effect. The cost and time involved in corrections are significant, so getting it right the first time is 10 times more cost-effective than making corrections later.For new hires during their first three months, it is recommended that a senior colleague review the SHC on every AWB before submission to avoid having to make corrections later.
VIII. Practical Scenarios for SHC
Scenario 1: Cross-border e-commerce shipment of power banks (PI 965, Section II)
- UN3480, Section II, Simplified Process
- SHC:
ELI(This is the only one) - No RLI required (that’s for Section IA/IB)
- No CAO required (Section II shipments may be transported on passenger aircraft)
Scenario 2: Industrial Energy Storage Batteries (PI 965, Section IB)
- UN3480, Section IB, all-cargo aircraft
- SHC:
CAO / RLI - Must be labeled as DGD + Class 9A primary class
Scenario 3: Finished mobile phones (PI 967, Section II)
- UN3481, Section II
- SHC:
ELI / EBI(Lithium battery, Section II + installed in equipment) - CAO not required
Scenario 4: Medical Cold Chain Vaccines (containing dry ice)
- UN1845 Dry Ice + UN3373 Class B Infectious Substances
- SHC:
ICE / RBM - Both UN numbers must be declared separately
Scenario 5: Export of Hard Drives (containing magnetic materials)
- UN2807 Magnetic Materials
- SHC:
MAG - Follow the DG process separately; do not consolidate with other lithium battery shipments
By mastering these 5 scenarios, you’ll be able to fill out the correct SHC within 30 seconds for 80% of DG shipments in cross-border e-commerce and industrial goods exports.
IX. Transmission of the SHC in FFM / FWB / FHL Telegrams
Many newcomers have only seen the SHC listed on the AWB and are unaware that the SHC is also repeatedly transmitted through the air freight “telegram system.” This telegram system consists of standardized messages used between airlines and between airlines and freight forwarders to synchronize cargo status.
| Telegram Types | Full Name | Sender | Where SHC Appears |
| FFM | Flight Manifest Message | Sent by the origin station to the destination and transit stations | Listed by ULD in the cargo manifest |
| FWB | Air Waybill Message | Sent by the freight forwarder to the airline | Handling Information in the electronic version of the AWB |
| FHL | House Waybill Message | Consolidation freight forwarder to airline | Handling Information for the HAWB (House Waybill) |
| FSU | Status Update Message | Sent by the airline to the freight forwarder | Cargo Status Change Notification |
Practical Implications:
- Once your SHC is transmitted in the FWB message, all airlines, ground handling agents, and customs authorities along the route will be able to view it
- Incorrectly entering the SHC isn’t just an issue for this single shipment—it will remain in the airline’s system as a “record”
- Experienced shippers and freight forwarders maintain an internal library of FWB templates; new employees use these templates to avoid errors caused by manual entry each time
Many freight forwarders ask, “Isn’t the FWB automatically generated by the airline? Why bother with the SHC?”—Yes, the FWB is automatically generated by the system, but the data source is the information on the AWB. If the AWB is incorrect, the FWB will be incorrect as well, and the entire telegram chain will be wrong.This is why there’s an old saying in air freight: “One wrong character on the AWB, and the whole world knows about it”—the telegram system transmits information much faster than you might imagine. By the time you discover the error, the ground handling agent at the destination port may have already received the incorrect shipment you sent out yesterday.
10. Practical Reference Table for SHC Combinations by Cargo Type
Newcomers often lack a reference table showing which SHC combinations to use for different cargo types. The table below is organized by “practical scenarios + standard SHC combinations”:
| Cargo Scenario | UN Number | Standard SHC Combinations | Key Notes |
| Finished Mobile Phones (Small Batches) | UN3481 | ELI / EBI | Section II Simplified |
| Laptops (Finished Products) | UN3481 | ELI / EBI | Same as above |
| Portable Power Banks (≤100 Wh) | UN3480 | ELI | Must not be packed with the device |
| High-Power Outdoor Power Supply | UN3480 | CAO / RLI | Section IB/IA, all-cargo aircraft |
| Energy Storage Battery Modules | UN3480 | CAO / RLI | Industrial-grade, CAO required |
| Sold as individual cells | UN3480 | CAO / RLI or ELI | Select Section based on Wh |
| Perfume / Cosmetic Spray | UN1950 | RFG / CAO (depending on volume) | Flammable Gases |
| Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer (Small Packages) | UN1170 | RFL / LQT | Subject to Quantity Limits |
| Industrial Alcohol (in drums) | UN1170 | CAO / RFL | All-cargo aircraft |
| Bleaching powder / Hydrogen peroxide | UN1748 / UN2014 | ROX | Oxidizing agents |
| Industrial Adhesives (Containing Solvents) | UN1133 | RFL | Flammable liquid |
| Dry ice for cold chain fresh produce | UN1845 | ICE | Ventilated Cargo Hold |
| Medical Cold Chain Vaccines (containing dry ice) | UN1845 + UN3373 | ICE / RBM | Two SHCs |
| Small commodities containing button batteries | UN3091 | ELM | Section II Lithium Metal |
| Hard Drives / Strongly Magnetized Speakers | UN2807 | MAG | Transported separately |
| Self-balancing scooters / Electric scooters | UN3171 / UN3481 | CAO / RLI | Prohibited by some airlines |
| Fire Extinguishers / CO₂ Cylinders | UN1044 / UN1013 | RNG | Non-flammable, non-toxic gases |
| Industrial-grade butane aerosol cans | UN1075 | CAO / RFG | High-concentration flammable gas |
| Insecticides / Pesticides | UN3077 / UN3082 | RPB / Environmental Label | Depending on content |
| Scrapped / Recalled Lithium Batteries | —— | —— | Prohibited for Air Transport |
Print this chart and post it next to the dispatch desk; new employees will be able to master 80% of the SHC notations for common DG cargo within 3 days.
XI. Common Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: SHC codes are made up by freight forwarders — Wrong. You must use the standard IATA three-letter codes.
- Misconception 2: Just marking “RMD” works for all DG — Wrong. Lithium batteries must be distinguished as RLI or RLM; dry ice must be marked as ICE; and magnetic materials must be marked as MAG.
- Misconception 3: RLI must also be marked in Section II — Wrong. Section II should use ELI/ELM (codes starting with “E”).
- Misconception 4: Is CAO the SHC or a label? — Both. Write “SHC: CAO” on the AWB and affix a CAO handling label to the outer packaging.
- Misconception 5: An incorrect SHC entry can be corrected on-site —— Wrong. Once an AWB is issued, changing the SHC is equivalent to amending the AWB and requires going through the amendment process.
- Misconception 6: Ground handling staff will cover for you, so it’s okay if you’re not familiar with SHC —— Wrong. SHC is the freight forwarder’s responsibility; ground handling staff only verify it and will not make corrections on your behalf.
- Misconception 7: All airlines use the same set of SHC codes — Most are consistent. However, a few airlines use their own internal codes (e.g., some airlines use “BAT” instead of RLI). Be sure to check the airline’s booking requirements before shipment.
- Misconception 8: SHC and “Nature of Goods” are the same field —— Wrong. SHC is entered in the “Handling Information” section, while “Nature of Goods” describes the cargo; these are two separate fields.
XII. Practical Checklist: Verifying SHC Before Issuing the AWB
- [ ] UN number has been confirmed
- [ ] Corresponding SHC has been verified (using the OCK SHC Reference or current IATA documentation)
- [ ] Lithium batteries classified as RLI / RLM / ELI / ELM
- [ ] CAO label: CAO
- [ ] ICE dry ice cargo label: ICE + net weight
- [ ] Magnetic materials marked as MAG
- [ ] Separate multiple SHCs with "/"
- [ ] SHC order: CAO → Class → Operation Category
- [ ] SHC must match DGD
- [ ] Complete the "AWB Handling Information" field
- [ ] The SHC column on the loading list must match the AWB
XIII. Methods for Determining the Three Job Categories
| Position | Core Decision-Making Actions for SHC | Output |
| Freight Forwarder / Operations | Look up SHC by UN number before issuing the AWB | Complete SHC string |
| Cross-Border E-Commerce Operations | Provide a list of product categories so the freight forwarder can make an advance determination | Preliminary Logistics Feasibility Assessment |
| Airline Booking / Ground Handling | Automatic Routing Based on SHC Upon Receipt | Loading Plans |
Additional advice for cross-border e-commerce businesses: During the product selection phase, work with suppliers to establish the “standard SHC notation” for each new SKU and archive it as part of the product documentation.This way, the next time the same product is shipped, operations, freight forwarders, and warehouses can all directly use the same set of descriptions, avoiding inconsistencies such as “ELI last time, RLI this time.” Standardizing this foundational data is one of the most easily overlooked yet most valuable internal capabilities for large sellers scaling up their cross-border logistics operations.
XIV. Compliance and Boundary Reminders
- This article is a practical guide based on the publicly available IATA Cargo IMP system and does not constitute legal, compliance, or safety advice.
- The SHC code list is subject to change with IATA version updates; the current version of IATA Cargo IMP shall prevail
- Some airlines use custom codes; confirm the OV before shipment
- Incorrectly entered SHC codes will trigger rejection by the airline’s booking system and cannot be corrected at the warehouse
- Lithium battery SHC codes (particularly the distinction between RLI and ELI) are a major audit concern; it is recommended to establish internal SOPs
XV. Conclusion: SHC is the “stethoscope” of a freight forwarder’s professionalism
The difference between a newcomer and a seasoned DG freight forwarder often lies not in how thoroughly they’ve studied the IATA DGR manual, but in whether they can understand the “code words” during conversations with ground handling staff in WeChat groups.
When a client asks, “Can this shipment go on a passenger aircraft?” a seasoned freight forwarder thinks to themselves, “First, check the Wh to determine the Section; then decide whether it’s RLI or ELI; finally, see if a CAO is required.”A newcomer, upon hearing this, would still need to spend three minutes consulting the tables. This “code → decision” reflex can only be developed after reviewing at least 100 real AWBs.
Here’s a suggestion for new hires: When you start, pull up all the AWBs your company has issued over the past 30 days. Look at the SHC in the “Handling Information” column of each one, and cross-reference the UN number to figure out why it was written that way.After reviewing 30 of them, you’ll have mastered 80% of the industry’s commonly used SHC combinations. This is a learning path that’s 10 times faster than reading the manual.
In addition to studying on paper, there’s an even more “hands-on” way to practice: spend half a day at an airport cargo terminal. Watch the ground handling staff at the check-in counter—see how they scan AWBs, how they call out codes over the walkie-talkie, and how they move RLI cargo to the dedicated lithium battery area.After just half a day, those codes you’ve been rote-memorizing from textbooks will instantly become “tangible” operational actions—the depth of your understanding will be worlds apart.This is precisely why “shadowing at the airport” is the third step in the onboarding training at many established freight forwarding companies. Only by connecting codes, telegrams, and ground handling procedures can you truly enter the DG freight forwarding industry.
In the next post, we’ll continue with: OV / SV—how to interpret airline and country changes, and where the common pitfalls lie. These two sets of rules are the most frequently revised and directly impactful parts of the IATA DGR; they’re also the minefields where cross-border logistics teams are most likely to “ship this year’s cargo using last year’s rules.” See you next time.