UN2910: Limited Quantity Radioactive Material Packages Explained

Why UN2910 Matters

The limited quantity classification is one of the most useful tools in radioactive material shipping. It lets you ship small quantities of radioactive material — calibration sources, check sources, reference standards — with dramatically reduced requirements compared to a fully labeled Class 7 shipment. No radioactive labels, no Transport Index calculation, no specification packaging testing.

I have seen it where new shippers go through the full Type A packaging and labeling process for a source that easily qualifies as UN2910. That means unnecessary time, cost, and paperwork. On the flip side, I have also seen shippers assume everything small qualifies as limited quantity without actually checking the activity against the Table 4 limits. Both mistakes are avoidable once you understand how the limits work.

Who Needs to Know This

UN2910 is relevant to anyone who ships:

• Calibration and check sources for radiation survey instruments
• Reference standards for laboratory analysis
• Small sealed sources not incorporated into instruments or articles
• Low-activity radioactive material samples
• Radioactive material that does not qualify as an instrument or article (UN2911)

Activity Limits from Table 4 (49 CFR 173.425)

The limited quantity package limit depends on the physical form and whether the material is special form or normal form:

Solids

Liquids

Gases

Practical Examples: Calculating Your Limit

To determine if your material qualifies for UN2910, look up the A1 or A2 value for your isotope in 49 CFR 173.435, then apply the Table 4 multiplier:

The most common mistake I see is people assuming all small sources qualify for limited quantity. Look at Am-241 — the limit is only 27 microcuries. That is extremely small. A typical Am-241 smoke detector source is about 1 microcurie, so it would qualify, but many Am-241 calibration sources exceed this limit. That is why you always need to calculate the specific limit for your isotope rather than going by intuition.

All Conditions for UN2910 Classification

Under 49 CFR 173.421, all of the following must be met:

• (a) General design: Package meets 49 CFR 173.410 requirements
• (b) Dose rate: Does not exceed 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) at any point on the external surface
• (c) Contamination: Non-fixed contamination on the external surface within Table 9 limits
• (d) “Radioactive” marking: Word “Radioactive” on the outside of the inner packaging or outer packaging
• (e) No fissile material: Unless excepted under 49 CFR 173.453
• (f) Preparation: Prepared for shipment per 49 CFR 173.422

UN2910 vs UN2911: Which One Do You Use?

This is one of the most common questions in excepted package shipping. The key distinction:

• UN2910 (Limited Quantity): The radioactive material itself — a raw source, calibration standard, or sample not integrated into a device
• UN2911 (Instruments/Articles): Radioactive material that is an integral component of a manufactured instrument or device

The practical difference is significant. UN2911 package limits are up to 1,000 times higher than UN2910 for solid special form material. This is because the device housing provides additional containment and shielding. A smoke detector with Am-241, a moisture gauge with Cs-137, or a static eliminator with Po-210 — these are instruments or articles.

My approach is simple: if the radioactive material is a functional component of a device — not just sitting in a container — check the UN2911 limits first. You will almost always get more favorable limits. But keep in mind that a device whose sole function is to hold radioactive material (like a source pig or storage container) does not qualify as an instrument or article.

What's Required vs. What's Excepted

Still Required

• UN number marking: “UN2910” on outside of package
• “Radioactive” marking: On outside of inner packaging or visible when opened
• Training: All hazmat employees handling these packages
• Incident reporting: Per 49 CFR 171.15 and 171.16
• General design: Package meets 173.410 requirements
• Shipping papers: If material is a hazardous substance or hazardous waste

Excepted (Not Required)

• Specification packaging (no DOT 7A testing)
• Radioactive labels (WHITE-I, YELLOW-II, YELLOW-III)
• Transport Index calculation
• Vehicle placarding
• Shipping papers (if not a hazardous substance or waste)

How RadShip.com Helps

RadShip.com makes limited quantity classification straightforward:

• RAMcalc — Automatically calculates whether your material falls within Table 4 limited quantity limits based on isotope, activity, and physical form
• Determines the correct UN number — UN2910 vs UN2911 vs a labeled package
• Generates compliant shipping documentation when required

Here's the reality: the Table 4 calculation is not complicated, but it does require looking up the correct A1 or A2 value and applying the right multiplier for your physical form. Getting this wrong means either over-packaging (wasting time and money) or under-packaging (a potential violation). Having a calculator that does this automatically removes the guesswork.

Try it free for 7 days.

Common Questions

Can I put multiple sources in one UN2910 package?

Yes, but the total activity must stay within the package limit. You can combine multiple sources in one package as long as the total does not exceed the Table 4 limited quantity package limit. For mixtures of radionuclides, use the fraction rule in 49 CFR 173.433(d).

Do I need to know the exact activity?

Yes. You need to know (or conservatively estimate) the activity to determine if it falls within the limited quantity limits. For decayed sources, you can calculate the current activity using the decay formula if you know the original activity and date.

What packaging do I actually need?

A sturdy package that meets 49 CFR 173.410 general design requirements. In practice, this means a strong cardboard or wooden box with appropriate cushioning material. No DOT specification testing is required. The package just needs to contain the material safely under normal transport conditions.

Can UN2910 be shipped by air?

Yes. Excepted packages can be transported by all modes. However, air carriers may impose additional requirements, and IATA regulations may differ from DOT in some specifics. Always verify with your carrier for air shipments.

Summary: Your UN2910 Checklist

Before shipping as UN2910 limited quantity:

• ☐ Activity per package verified within Table 4 limited quantity limits
• ☐ Correct A1 or A2 value used (special form uses A1, normal form uses A2)
• ☐ Correct multiplier applied for physical form (solid, liquid, or gas)
• ☐ External dose rate surveyed — ≤ 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h)
• ☐ External contamination within Table 9 limits
• ☐ “Radioactive” marked on inner or outer packaging
• ☐ “UN2910” marked on outside of package
• ☐ Package meets 173.410 general design requirements
• ☐ No fissile material (unless excepted under 173.453)
• ☐ Shipping papers prepared if material is a hazardous substance or waste

Regulatory References

DOT Requirements:

• 49 CFR 173.421 — Excepted packages for limited quantities
• 49 CFR 173.425 — Table 4: Activity limits for excepted quantities and articles
• 49 CFR 173.435 — Table of A1 and A2 values
• 49 CFR 173.422 — Additional requirements for excepted packages
• 49 CFR 173.410 — General design requirements
• 49 CFR 173.443 — Contamination control