A Codes — Special Provisions A001-A950
IATA DGR 67th Ed Subsection 4.4 Special Provisions (A codes) comprise a large list of 950+ codes. They are referenced by UN number in the DG List. This page categorizes the most frequently used A codes with descriptions. For the complete list, refer to IATA DGR Section 4.4.
Note: A codes are updated annually. With the 67th Ed (2026), several new codes (A901, A902, A941) were introduced. A-code numbering from older DGR editions may have changed — always verify against the current DGR. This list is not exhaustive; Section 4.4 of the DGR contains 950+ codes.
General Special Provisions(7 codes)
Prior approval from the state authority is mandatory; operator variations may apply.
Stricter packaging requirements apply beyond the normal PI.
Only Type A packaging is permitted for this UN; IBCs are forbidden.
The aircraft cargo compartment must be maintained below -40 C.
An absolute leak-tight primary container is mandatory.
Not accepted on passenger aircraft (PAX) — cargo aircraft only.
Each inner packaging max 5 L, total outer packaging max 25 kg.
Class 1 Explosives(3 codes)
Class 1 — compatibility group and additional document verification.
Completely forbidden in civil aviation — military route alternative available.
NEQ max 30 g per package, 1 kg per aircraft.
Lithium Battery & Energy(4 codes)
State of Charge maximum 30% (IATA 2.6 + 2026 mandatory requirement).
Minimum 48-hour notification to the airline before shipment.
Damaged or defective batteries are forbidden in civil aviation (UN 3480/3481 in certain cases).
Max 2 batteries per equipment for batteries packed with/contained in equipment (UN 3091/3481).
Packaging Variations(4 codes)
Rigid material outer packaging is mandatory (cardboard excluded — plastic/wood/metal).
Sufficient absorbent material to contain inner packaging leakage.
This UN may not be transported on wooden pallets — metal or plastic pallets required.
Inner + outer packaging is mandatory, single-use excepted.
Labelling & Marking(4 codes)
A 'Keep away from sunlight' label is required in addition to the standard hazard label.
Orientation arrows (up arrows) on two opposite sides of the package for liquid contents.
A special 'magnetic material' label is required for magnetic substances (IMI standard).
The Proper Shipping Name must be written in English plus the language of the destination country.
Operator / State Specific(4 codes)
TK operator variation — advance reservation mandatory for UN 3090/3091.
SHGM pre-notification is required for shipments transiting through Turkiye.
Narcotics/precursors are restricted in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
FX operator — special SmartPost program for lithium batteries.
67th Ed New Additions(4 codes)
UN 3549 new special provision — full compliance + biohazard notification.
UN 3550 new — special leakage control for bead form.
UN 3473/3476-3479 fuel cell — updated test standards.
New SADT-based temperature control requirement for Class 4.2.
Usage Guide
- • A codes appear comma-separated in the "Special Provisions" column of the DG List for each UN number
- • When multiple A codes apply, all must be followed — the most restrictive takes precedence
- • A codes should be read together with operator variations (2.8.4) and state variations (2.8.3)
- • Some A codes have additional sub-letter variants (e.g. A802-A, A802-B)
- • Full text and examples are provided in DGR Section 4.4
References
- • IATA DGR 67th Ed Subsection 4.4 (Special Provisions A001-A950)
- • IATA DGR Section 4.2 (Dangerous Goods List — SP column)
- •
public/data/iata-dgr-list.json— UN-based A code reference - • Packing Instructions — relationship with PIs