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Marking & Labelling Guide

Mandatory marking and labelling requirements for dangerous goods packages transported by air under IATA DGR. Covers UN marks, hazard labels, CAO label, orientation arrows, lithium battery mark, environmentally hazardous substance mark, and overpack marking.

UN Number and Proper Shipping Name

DGR 7.1

Each dangerous goods package must bear the UN number (prefixed with 'UN') and the proper shipping name in English.

  • UN number minimum 12 mm height (packages ≤30 L/kg: min 6 mm)
  • Proper shipping name must be as shown in DGR Table 4.2
  • UN number must be visible on both inner and outer packaging
  • Characters must be durable and permanent (non-smudging, fade-resistant)

Hazard Labels

DGR 7.3

Hazard labels indicating the class or division of the dangerous goods must be applied to each package. Labels must conform to ICAO Technical Instructions specifications.

  • Minimum size: 100 × 100 mm (point-to-point on the diamond)
  • For cylinders with a diameter ≤60 mm, labels may be reduced to 30 × 30 mm
  • Label must be placed on the same surface as the proper shipping name and UN number
  • Subsidiary risk labels required where applicable (no class number in bottom corner)
  • Labels must not be folded or overlap each other

CAO (Cargo Aircraft Only) Label

DGR 7.4.2

Packages permitted only on cargo aircraft must bear the 'Cargo Aircraft Only' label.

  • Minimum size: 120 mm × 110 mm
  • Orange background (Pantone 151U), black lettering — 'CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY'
  • Must be affixed on at least one surface of the package
  • Without a CAO label, the package is deemed accepted for passenger aircraft

Orientation Arrows

DGR 7.4.4

Orientation arrows are required on combination packages containing liquids and on cryogenic receptacles to indicate the correct upright position.

  • Must be affixed on two opposite vertical sides
  • Black or red arrows on a white or suitable contrasting background
  • Exemption for single inner packaging (max 120 mL)
  • Not required for gas cylinders

Lithium Battery Mark

DGR 7.1.5

Packages containing lithium batteries must bear the lithium battery handling mark.

  • Minimum size: 120 mm × 110 mm (may be reduced to 100 mm × 70 mm for small packages)
  • White background with red hatched border
  • Must include battery symbol, UN number(s), and emergency telephone number
  • MANDATORY for packages under Section II (PI 965–970)
  • If multiple UN numbers apply, all must be listed on the mark

Environmentally Hazardous Substance Mark

DGR 7.1.5.3

Substances classified as environmentally hazardous (marine pollutant) must bear the environment hazard mark.

  • Dead fish and tree symbol (diamond shape, 45° rotated square)
  • Minimum 100 × 100 mm (may be reduced for small packages)
  • May be used in conjunction with the Class 9 hazard label

Overpack Mark

DGR 7.1.7

When multiple packages are combined into a single outer packaging (overpack), special marking is required.

  • 'OVERPACK' must be displayed in letters at least 12 mm high
  • All labels and marks on inner packages must be visible from outside
  • If not visible: all labels and marks must be reproduced on the outer packaging
  • All UN numbers and proper shipping names within the overpack must be indicated

Shipper and Consignee Information

DGR 7.1.4

The full name and address of both the shipper and consignee must appear on each package.

  • Must be durable and legible
  • Both shipper and consignee details are MANDATORY
  • If inside an overpack, must also appear on the outer packaging