Can I ship paint, varnish and coatings?
What it usually is
Solvent-based paint, lacquer and varnish are usually UN 1263 PAINT, class 3, packing group I, II or III. Water-based paint is often not dangerous goods: check SDS section 14.
By road (ADR)
By road (ADR), small tins often go as limited quantity. Some viscous products in packing group III can be exempt under ADR 2.2.3.1.5. Larger volumes count towards the 1,000-point limit of ADR 1.1.3.6.
By air (IATA)
By air (ICAO TI / IATA DGR), class 3 paint is accepted with quantity limits per package. Packing group I paint has much lower limits than II or III.
Three questions your forwarder will ask
- What does SDS section 14 say: UN 1263 and which packing group?
- What size are the tins or drums, and how many?
- Is it water-based or solvent-based (flash point in section 9)?
The packing group decides the limits. Send the SDS and we will check whether the exemption or limited quantity applies.
Not sure? Check your SDS for free
Upload the safety data sheet: the check shows UN number, class, packing group and the road/air decision in a minute, in your browser.
General guidance based on ADR, ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA DGR. Rules depend on quantity, packing and route; this page does not replace your DG safety adviser or carrier acceptance.