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.
The possibility of using LQ depends on the classification of the specific dangerous good and the relevant entry in ADR Table A. Column 7a is especially important, as it 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, classification, packing group, packing instruction, LQ limit and current safety data sheet 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 mark may be reduced to no less than 50 × 50 mm, provided that good visibility is maintained.
The LQ mark is not a standard ADR hazard label with a hazard class number. It does not replace correct goods classification, transport documentation, proper packaging selection or other markings that may be required in specific cases. It is the mark intended for shipments prepared in accordance with the limited quantities provisions.
For overpacks, outer packagings and palletised shipments, it is important to ensure that the LQ marking remains visible. If labels 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 current regulations, goods classification, UN number, safety data sheet, LQ limit and transport documentation. In case of doubt, consultation with an ADR dangerous goods adviser or a person responsible for dangerous goods transport is recommended.
Where and how to use the ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities label with black border
The ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities 100 × 100 mm with black border 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, carton 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 black border extending to the edge of the label is especially recommended when the label is to be applied to white, light-coloured or transparent surfaces. The black border improves contrast on white cartons, light-coloured boxes, transparent films, clear containers, light canisters, plastic packaging and other light logistics surfaces. As a result, the LQ mark is clearly visible and does not “disappear” on a light background.
On transparent packaging, the black border is particularly useful because it creates a clear boundary for the marking, regardless of the colour of the product, contents or background visible through the packaging. This makes shipment identification easier during acceptance, sorting, order picking, storage, handling and transport inspection.
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 coated cartons, films, plastic containers, canisters, drums, outer packagings and surfaces that may be contaminated with dust, moisture, oil or product residues. The label should adhere across its entire surface, without folds, air bubbles or damage to the print.
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 version with a black border is suitable for the colour and type of 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 an LQ mark with the letter “Y” is required for air shipments.
For white, light-coloured and transparent packaging, the version with a black border is recommended because it provides high marking contrast. For black and dark surfaces, the version with a white border is more practical, as it separates the mark more effectively from a dark background.
Quality of Print&Stick labels for marking LQ shipments
Print&Stick ADR 0 LQ — Limited Quantities 100 × 100 mm with black border 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 convenient to use in packing and shipping processes.
The black border extending to the edge of the label increases the functionality of the marking on light-coloured and transparent packaging. It creates a clear boundary for the mark, improves contrast and makes quick identification of an LQ shipment easier in warehouses, sorting centres, distribution centres, packing departments, production plants or during transport inspections.
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 packagings, 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. It is a practical solution for companies that regularly prepare ADR LQ shipments and need labels that are easy to use in warehouse, production and logistics work.
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 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, black border
- 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
- Border: black, extending to the edge of the label
- Version: black border — recommended for white, light-coloured and transparent packaging
- Material: self-adhesive paper
- Adhesive: durable acrylic adhesive
- Print protection: UV varnish
- Supply format: roll
- Package content: 1 roll = 500 labels
- Package weight: 1 kg
- Application: marking shipments containing dangerous goods in limited quantities
