You Might Already Be Shipping Hazmat
The word "hazmat" conjures images of chemical drums and biohazard suits. But the reality is far more mundane: nail polish, aerosol spray paint, hand sanitizer, lithium batteries, perfume, and even some vitamin supplements qualify as hazardous materials under DOT and IATA regulations. Millions of hazmat shipments travel through the parcel network every day — most of them from ordinary businesses and consumers who don't realize their product is regulated.
Shipping hazmat incorrectly can mean package refusal, fines, and in serious cases, criminal liability. This guide gives you the essentials.
The 9 Hazmat Classes
The DOT (and IATA for air) classifies dangerous goods into 9 classes:
| Class | Category | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | Fireworks, airbag inflators, ammunition |
| 2 | Gases | Aerosols, propane, CO2 cartridges, oxygen |
| 3 | Flammable liquids | Paint, varnish, perfume, hand sanitizer, alcohol >24% |
| 4 | Flammable solids | Matches, metal powders, some adhesives |
| 5 | Oxidizers/Organic peroxides | Pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide >8% |
| 6 | Toxic/Infectious | Pesticides, medical waste, diagnostic specimens |
| 7 | Radioactive | Medical isotopes, industrial equipment |
| 8 | Corrosives | Batteries (wet cell), acids, drain cleaners |
| 9 | Misc. dangerous goods | Lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetized materials |
Limited Quantity vs. Fully Regulated
Most small business hazmat shipments fall under "Limited Quantity" (LQ) exceptions, which dramatically simplify requirements. LQ provisions allow certain hazmat to be shipped with relaxed packaging and labeling rules when quantities per package are below specified thresholds.
Examples of Limited Quantity thresholds:
- Flammable liquids (Class 3): Up to 1 liter per inner packaging; 30 kg gross weight per package
- Aerosols (Class 2.1): Up to 1 kg per can; 30 kg gross weight per package
- Oxidizers (Class 5.1): Up to 1 kg per inner packaging
Under Limited Quantity rules for air, the package still needs a specific "LQ" mark (a diamond-shaped label), but doesn't require full DG documentation.
Carrier-Specific Rules: They're Stricter Than DOT
DOT sets the floor for hazmat regulations; individual carriers often add their own restrictions on top:
USPS
USPS has some of the most restrictive hazmat policies. Many items that other carriers accept are forbidden by USPS:
- Flammable liquids: Ground-only, limited quantities only, many exceptions apply
- Aerosols: Ground-only for domestic; forbidden internationally
- Lithium batteries: Heavily restricted (see our lithium battery guide)
- Perfumes/colognes: Forbidden in air mail (flammable liquid)
UPS
UPS accepts a wide range of hazmat by ground with proper certification and documentation. UPS requires shippers to complete hazmat training and maintain records. UPS Ground can handle most consumer-level hazmat; UPS Air has more restrictions.
FedEx
Similar to UPS. FedEx requires an account and hazmat certification for regulated shipments. FedEx Ground accepts most Limited Quantity hazmat. FedEx's "ORM-D" category (consumer commodity, other regulated material) simplifies some consumer product shipments.
Required Documentation for Hazmat Shipments
For fully regulated (non-LQ) hazmat shipments, you need:
- Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods: The core hazmat document. Identifies the substance, UN number, packing group, quantity, and certifies compliance. Required for all fully regulated air shipments.
- Emergency Response Phone Number: A 24/7 number that can provide technical information about the hazmat. Many shippers use CHEMTREC ($500–$700/year for the service).
- Proper shipping name: The DOT/IATA official name for the substance (not the brand name — "nail polish" must be declared as "Flammable liquids, n.o.s.")
- UN number: The 4-digit UN identification number (e.g., UN 1263 for paint)
- Packing group: PG I (high danger), PG II (medium), PG III (low) — determines packaging requirements
Common E-Commerce Products That Are Hazmat
Many online sellers ship these without realizing they're regulated:
- Nail polish and nail polish remover: Class 3 flammable liquid
- Hand sanitizer: Class 3 flammable liquid (alcohol-based)
- Perfume and cologne: Class 3 flammable liquid
- Aerosol products: Any product in a pressurized aerosol can — Class 2
- Pool chemicals: Oxidizers — Class 5.1
- Lithium batteries/devices: Class 9
- Dry ice: Class 9 (used in food shipments)
- Paints, stains, varnishes: Class 3
Getting Compliant: Practical Steps
- Classify your products: Use the DOT Hazmat Table (49 CFR 172.101) to find your substance and determine its class, UN number, and packing group.
- Complete hazmat training: DOT requires all employees who prepare hazmat shipments to be trained. Online training courses are available for $100–$200 and fulfill the requirement.
- Set up a carrier hazmat account: Contact UPS or FedEx to establish your hazmat shipping agreement — required before they'll accept regulated shipments.
- Get the right packaging: UN-spec packaging is required for certain packing groups. Suppliers like Labelmaster sell certified hazmat packaging.
Bottom Line
Hazmat compliance is not optional, but it's also not as overwhelming as it first appears. Most small business hazmat fits into Limited Quantity exceptions with simplified requirements. Start by classifying your products, complete the required training, and use a compliant carrier agreement. The cost of compliance — a few hundred dollars in training and setup — is trivial compared to the penalties for violations. Use our shipping calculator to check carrier options for regulated items, or compare carriers that accept hazmat shipments.