Description
ADR LQ mark — legal basis for use
The ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities label is used for the transport of dangerous goods packed in limited quantities. The LQ system, described in ADR Chapter 3.4, allows certain dangerous goods to be transported under simplified conditions, provided that quantity limits, packaging requirements and correct package marking are met.
For each dangerous good, the possibility of using LQ depends on the entry in ADR Table A, especially the value in column 7a, which defines the maximum quantity per inner packaging. If column 7a shows the value 0, the LQ exemption cannot be applied to that substance. Therefore, before using the label, the UN number, goods classification, packing group, packing instructions and permitted quantity limits should always be checked.
The mark for packages containing dangerous goods in limited quantities has the shape of a square set at an angle of 45°, i.e. a diamond. The top and bottom parts of the mark and the border line should be black, while the central area should be white or another suitably contrasting background. The standard minimum size of the mark is 100 × 100 mm, and the minimum width of the line forming the diamond should be 2 mm. If the size of the package requires it, the dimensions may be reduced to no less than 50 × 50 mm, provided that the mark remains clearly visible.
The LQ mark is not a standard ADR hazard label with a hazard class number. It does not replace correct goods classification, transport documentation, packaging requirements or other markings that may be required in specific situations. It is the mark used for shipments prepared in accordance with the limited quantities provisions.
For outer packagings, overpacks or palletised shipments, it is important to ensure that the LQ mark remains visible. If the markings on individual packages are covered by stretch film, an outer carton, an overpack or palletising elements, the marking should be repeated on the outside of the overpack in accordance with ADR requirements. The choice of marking should always be verified against the current classification of the goods, safety data sheet, UN number, LQ limit and applicable ADR regulations. In case of doubt, consultation with an ADR dangerous goods adviser is recommended.
Where and how to use the ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities label
The ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities 100 × 100 mm label should be applied to packages containing dangerous goods prepared for transport in accordance with the limited quantities provisions. This may include selected chemicals, cosmetics, aerosols, paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, technical products, industrial preparations, e-commerce products and other goods that meet the LQ transport conditions.
The mark should be placed on the outer surface of the package in a clearly visible and easy-to-identify location. The label should not be covered by packing tape, stretch film, courier labels, waybills, transport documents, other stickers, package edges or palletising elements. The marking should remain legible from the moment the shipment is prepared until the end of transport.
This version with a white border is especially recommended when the label is to be applied to dark surfaces. The white background and white border improve the contrast of the LQ mark on black cartons, dark boxes, graphite-coloured containers, dark crates, black drums, canisters and other dark transport packaging. This makes the mark more clearly separated from the surface and easier to notice during acceptance, sorting, storage and handling.
Before applying the label, make sure that the surface is clean, dry, free from grease and as smooth as possible. This is particularly important for industrial packaging, coated cartons, plastic containers, canisters, drums and packaging used in production or storage, where the surface may be contaminated with dust, moisture, oil or product residues.
Before shipment, it is worth checking:
- whether the goods may be transported as LQ according to column 7a of ADR Table A,
- whether the quantity in the inner packaging does not exceed the permitted limit,
- whether the packaging used meets the requirements for limited quantities,
- whether the LQ mark is the correct size and remains legible,
- whether the correct label version has been selected for the colour of the packaging,
- whether the label has not been covered by tape, film or transport documents,
- whether the marking will remain visible after palletising or using an overpack,
- whether a different LQ mark with the letter “Y” is required for air shipments.
For light and white packaging, the version with a black border is recommended, while for black, dark or strongly contrasting surfaces the version with a white border is more practical because it helps maintain legibility on a dark background.
Quality of Print&Stick labels for marking LQ shipments
Print&Stick ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities 100 × 100 mm labels have been designed for clear, durable and repeatable marking of shipments containing dangerous goods packed in limited quantities. The 100 × 100 mm format corresponds to the standard size of the LQ mark, making the label clearly visible and compliant with marking legibility requirements.
This version with a white border improves the functionality of the label when used on dark packaging. The white area around the mark increases contrast and clearly separates the marking from a black or dark background. This is particularly important in warehouses, sorting centres, distribution centres and packing departments, where quick identification of an LQ shipment helps reduce the risk of mistakes.
The labels are made from self-adhesive paper and coated with a durable acrylic adhesive. As a result, they adhere well to typical packaging surfaces such as cardboard, paper, board, boxes, outer packaging, containers, canisters and smooth logistics surfaces. UV varnish protection helps protect the print against external factors encountered during storage, order picking and transport.
The roll containing 500 labels allows fast peeling and serial application of markings in warehouses, packing departments, production plants, logistics companies, laboratories, distribution centres or online stores shipping goods covered by LQ provisions. It is a practical solution for companies that regularly prepare ADR shipments and need labels that are convenient for everyday use.
The print is clear, repeatable and designed to maintain good visibility throughout the logistics handling process. Repeatable production helps maintain a consistent appearance of successive label batches, correct contrast, even graphic layout and a neat package marking.
Label production is carried out in accordance with quality and environmental management standards consistent with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. For companies preparing ADR shipments, this means stable product quality, predictable functional properties and the ability to use markings that perform well in regular packing, storage and transport processes.
Print&Stick labels are a practical choice for chemical manufacturers, logistics companies, warehouses, laboratories, export departments, distributors of technical products, e-commerce businesses, industrial plants and companies preparing dangerous goods in limited quantities for road and multimodal transport.
Technical specifications
- Name: Self-adhesive ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities label
- Marking type: LQ mark / Limited Quantities
- Application standard: ADR, transport of dangerous goods in limited quantities
- Label size: 100 × 100 mm
- Mark shape: square set at 45°, diamond
- Symbol: LQ mark without the letter “Y”
- Mark colour: black
- Background and outer border: white
- Version: white border — recommended for black and dark packaging
- Material: self-adhesive paper
- Adhesive: durable acrylic adhesive
- Print protection: UV varnish
- Supply format: roll
- Package content: 1 roll = 500 labels
- Application: marking shipments containing dangerous goods in limited quantities
