Special Provision A197 provides an important exemption for certain environmentally hazardous substances shipped by air under UN3077 or UN3082.
Where the requirements of A197 are met, small quantities may not be subject to the other requirements of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
What Is the A197 Limit?
A197 applies to:
UN3077 – Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S.: 5 kg or less per single or combination packaging
UN3082 – Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Liquid, N.O.S.: 5 L or less per single or combination packaging
The packaging must still meet the applicable general packaging requirements.
Does This Mean UN3077 or UN3082 Is Not Dangerous Goods?
Not necessarily.
The substance may still meet the classification criteria for an environmentally hazardous substance. A197 provides relief from the air transport requirements when the quantity and packaging conditions of the special provision are met.
For example, a 1 L container of UN3082 may qualify under A197, whereas a larger container exceeding 5 L would not qualify on the same basis.
Is a Dangerous Goods Declaration Required?
Where the shipment fully meets the requirements of A197, it is not subject to the other requirements of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
This can significantly simplify the air transport of small quantities of environmentally hazardous substances.
Always check the SDS, quantity, packaging and current regulations before applying the exemption.
What About Road and Sea Freight?
A197 is an air transport special provision.
Similar exemptions exist for UN3077 and UN3082 under other transport regulations, but the applicable road or sea requirements should be checked separately.
Need Help With UN3077 or UN3082?
DG Solutions assists with the classification and transport of UN3077, UN3082 and other dangerous goods throughout New Zealand and internationally.
If your SDS lists A197 and you're unsure whether your shipment qualifies for the exemption, contact DG Solutions for assistance.