Marking and Labeling Radioactive Packages for Air Shipment

Why Air Shipment Marking and Labeling Matters

Marking and labeling are the visible compliance elements that airlines check first. Before an acceptance agent opens the DGD or reviews your paperwork, they look at the package itself. Missing marks, wrong labels, or incorrect label placement can result in immediate rejection — the shipment never even gets to the documentation check.

I have seen shipments turned away at the cargo counter because a label was placed flat on the top of the package instead of in the diamond orientation, or because old labels from a previous shipment weren't removed. These are not technical violations that require specialized knowledge to detect — they're visual. Any trained acceptance agent will catch them instantly.

Beyond acceptance, labels serve a critical safety function during transport. Load planners use them to determine separation distances on the aircraft. Emergency responders rely on them to identify contents quickly. A mislabeled package creates risk for everyone who handles it.

Who Needs to Know This

This applies to anyone who:

• Prepares and labels radioactive packages for air transport
• Performs acceptance checks on radioactive air shipments
• Trains personnel on air shipping marking and labeling requirements
• Ships by both ground and air and needs to understand the differences

What Marks Go on the Package?

The shipper is responsible for all marking on every package, overpack, or freight container (IATA DGR §10.7.1.0). Marks must be durable, readily visible, legible, weather-resistant, and displayed on a contrasting background.

Required Marks for IP, Type A, Type B, and Type C Packages

Every Industrial Package (IP-1/IP-2/IP-3), Type A, Type B, and Type C package must show (IATA DGR §10.7.1.3.1):

• Proper shipping name
• UN number preceded by “UN”
• Full name and address of shipper and consignee
• Gross weight if the package exceeds 50 kg

In addition, each package must bear its type specification mark — “TYPE IP-1”, “TYPE A”, “TYPE B(U)”, etc. For IP-2, IP-3, Type A, Type B, and Type C packages, the mark must also include the country of origin code and manufacturer identification (IATA DGR §10.7.1.3.3–10.7.1.3.6).

Type B and Type C packages also require the trefoil symbol embossed or stamped on the outermost receptacle in a manner resistant to fire and water.

Required Marks for Excepted Packages

Excepted packages (UN2908–UN2911) have a simpler marking set (IATA DGR §10.7.1.3.2):

• UN number preceded by “UN”
• Full name and address of shipper and consignee
• Gross weight if over 50 kg

Note that excepted packages do not require the proper shipping name as a mark on the package itself for air transport, though it must appear on the Air Waybill.

Overpack Marking

When packages are placed in an overpack, the overpack must be marked with the word “Overpack” along with the UN number, proper shipping name, and shipper/consignee addresses — unless these marks are already clearly visible through the overpack (IATA DGR §10.7.1.4.1). The package type specification marks (e.g., “TYPE A”) must not be reproduced on the overpack itself.

Language Requirements

English must be used for all marks, in addition to any language required by the country of origin (IATA DGR §10.7.1.2.3). This mirrors the DGD language requirement.

Hazard Labels: Categories and Specifications

The three category labels for radioactive material are the same under IATA as they are under DOT. The category is determined by both the Transport Index and the surface dose rate — whichever places the package in the higher category wins (IATA DGR §10.5.15.1).

* If the measured TI is not greater than 0.05, the value quoted may be zero.
** Must be transported under exclusive use and special arrangement except for freight containers.

The most common mistake I see with category assignment is checking only the TI and ignoring the surface dose rate. A package with TI = 0.3 looks like a Category II-Yellow by TI alone, but if the surface dose rate exceeds 0.5 mSv/h, it's actually a Category III-Yellow. Always check both values — the label category is determined by whichever pushes you into the higher category.

What Must Be Written on the Hazard Label

Each radioactive hazard label must be filled in with (IATA DGR §10.7.3.3):

• Contents: The radionuclide symbol (e.g., “Co-60”, “Ir-192”). For LSA-I, you can write just “LSA-I”
• Activity: The maximum activity in becquerels (Bq, MBq, GBq, TBq). Curie values may follow in parentheses. For fissile material, mass of fissile nuclides may replace activity
• Transport Index: For Category II-Yellow and III-Yellow only, rounded up to one decimal place

In my experience, the “Contents” line is where I see the most label errors for air shipments. Shippers write the full element name instead of the isotope symbol, or they write the chemical compound instead of the radionuclide. The label should read “Co-60”, not “Cobalt” and not “Cobalt chloride.”

Criticality Safety Index Label

Fissile packages require an additional CSI label (IATA DGR §10.7.7.4) placed adjacent to the radioactive hazard labels. This is a separate diamond-shaped label with “FISSILE” in the upper half and the CSI value in the box provided.

Where Do the Labels Go?

Label placement for air shipment follows specific rules (IATA DGR §10.7.4):

• Two sets of labels on opposite sides of the package (IATA DGR §10.7.4.3.1)
• Each “set” includes the radioactive category label, any subsidiary hazard labels, the CSI label (if fissile), and the “Cargo Aircraft Only” label (if applicable)
• Labels should be near the proper shipping name mark and adjacent to the shipper/consignee address (IATA DGR §10.7.4.2.1–2)
• Labels must be in diamond orientation (45°) unless the package is too small
• Labels must not be folded across edges or corners of the package
• Freight containers: Labels on all four sides
• Cylindrical packages: Two sets centered on opposite points of the circumference

My approach when labeling packages is to designate two opposite faces as the “label sides” before I start. I place the marks (UN number, PSN, addresses) on both, then affix the labels adjacent to those marks. That way everything is co-located and visible from either side. The most frequent placement error I see is labels on the top and bottom of a package instead of on two vertical sides — ground handlers stack packages, and a label on the bottom is invisible.

Excepted Package: The Handling Label

Excepted packages (UN2908–UN2911) do not get the standard Category I/II/III hazard labels. Instead, they require the “Radioactive Material, Excepted Package” handling label (IATA DGR §10.7.4.4.3).

This is a rectangular label (minimum 105 × 74 mm), not a diamond. Its key features:

• Red diagonal hatchings on the border
• May be printed in black and red on white, or red only on white
• Must include the shipper's and consignee's names
• If packages are in an overpack, the label must be visible or reproduced on the overpack

One thing to keep in mind is that this handling label is air-specific. For domestic ground transport under DOT, excepted packages need the package markings per 49 CFR 173.422 but do not require a separate handling label. If you ship the same excepted package both by air and by ground, you need the IATA handling label for the air leg.

Other Handling Labels for Air Shipment

Cargo Aircraft Only Label

The “Cargo Aircraft Only” (CAO) label is required on Type B(M) packages and on any package that exceeds passenger aircraft limits (IATA DGR §10.7.4.4.1). It must be placed on the same surface as the hazard labels, near them.

Package Orientation Label (“This Way Up”)

Unlike most dangerous goods, packages containing radioactive material in liquid form are not required to have the “This Way Up” orientation label (IATA DGR §10.7.4.4.2). That said, many shippers apply them voluntarily for liquids as a practical handling precaution.

Common Marking and Labeling Mistakes

The most common marking and labeling errors I see with air shipments come down to a few repeating patterns:

• Old labels not removed — A package used for multiple shipments still has the previous category label. IATA DGR §10.7.2.1(a) requires removing or obliterating irrelevant labels before presenting the package to the airline
• Only one set of labels — Ground transport requires labels on two opposite sides, and so does air. But I see shippers who label only the “front” of the package. Airlines will catch this at acceptance
• Labels folded around edges — A label that wraps around a corner is non-compliant. The entire label must be on a single flat surface
• Activity written in curies only — Becquerels are required; curies may only supplement in parentheses. Writing “50 mCi” alone on the label is not acceptable for air transport
• Missing TI on Yellow labels — Category II-Yellow and III-Yellow labels must show the Transport Index. A blank TI box is a rejection
• Wrong category label — Usually from checking TI but not surface dose rate, resulting in a lower category than required
• Excepted package with hazard label — Excepted packages use the rectangular handling label, not the diamond hazard label. Putting a Category I-White label on an excepted package is incorrect

Here's the reality: marking and labeling errors are the easiest violations to prevent and the easiest for inspectors to find. Unlike a classification error buried in a calculation, a wrong label is visible from across the room. Having a checklist you walk through before sealing the package eliminates nearly all of these.

How RadShip.com Helps

RadShip.com simplifies marking and labeling for air shipments:

• RAMcalc — Classifies your shipment and determines the correct UN number and package type, so you know which label category applies to your material
• Identifies whether your shipment qualifies for passenger or cargo aircraft, telling you whether a CAO label is needed
• Generates DGD documentation with category, TI, and dimensions already populated

In my experience, the label itself is rarely the problem — it's getting the right information onto the label. When your classification tool gives you the category, TI, and radionuclide data in one place, there's no reason to transcribe anything incorrectly.

Try it free for 7 days.

Common Questions

How many sets of labels does an air shipment radioactive package need?

Two sets on opposite sides. Each set includes the radioactive category label plus any subsidiary hazard labels, CSI label (if fissile), and Cargo Aircraft Only label (if applicable). Freight containers need labels on all four sides. For very small cylindrical packages where two sets would overlap, one set is permitted.

What label does an excepted package need for air shipment?

The “Radioactive Material, Excepted Package” handling label. This is a rectangular label (minimum 105 × 74 mm) with red diagonal hatchings on the border. Excepted packages do not get the standard diamond-shaped Category I/II/III hazard labels.

Do IATA labeling requirements differ from DOT requirements?

The core labeling system is the same. The label designs and categories (I-White, II-Yellow, III-Yellow) are identical. The main IATA-specific additions are the Cargo Aircraft Only handling label for certain shipments, the excepted package handling label, and the requirement that activity must be shown in becquerels (curies may only supplement in parentheses).

What information must be written on the radioactive hazard label?

Contents (radionuclide symbol), activity (in Bq), and TI (for Yellow labels). The radionuclide symbol goes on the “Contents” line, the maximum activity in becquerels goes on the “Activity” line, and for Category II-Yellow and III-Yellow, the Transport Index (rounded up to one decimal) goes in the TI box.

What size must radioactive hazard labels be?

Minimum 100 × 100 mm (about 4 × 4 inches) in diamond orientation. The excepted package handling label has different minimum dimensions of 105 × 74 mm. Labels may be larger, but proportions must be maintained.

Summary: Your Air Shipment Marking & Labeling Checklist

Before presenting your package to the airline, verify:

• ☐ UN number (preceded by “UN”) is marked on the package in the correct minimum size
• ☐ Proper shipping name is marked (not required for excepted packages)
• ☐ Shipper and consignee names and addresses are on the package
• ☐ Package type specification mark is present (“TYPE A”, “TYPE B(U)”, etc.)
• ☐ Gross weight is marked if package exceeds 50 kg
• ☐ All marks are in English (plus country-of-origin language if required)
• ☐ Correct category label applied (I-White, II-Yellow, or III-Yellow) based on both TI and surface dose rate
• ☐ Contents (radionuclide symbol) and activity (in Bq) written on the label
• ☐ Transport Index written on Yellow labels (rounded up to one decimal)
• ☐ Two sets of labels placed on opposite sides of the package
• ☐ Labels in diamond orientation, not folded across edges
• ☐ CSI label adjacent to hazard labels (for fissile packages)
• ☐ Cargo Aircraft Only label applied if required (same surface as hazard labels)
• ☐ For excepted packages: rectangular handling label with red hatchings applied
• ☐ All old or irrelevant labels and marks removed or obliterated
• ☐ Overpack marked with “Overpack” if inner package marks are not visible

Regulatory References

IATA (Air Transport):

• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations §10.7 — Marking and labeling requirements for Class 7 radioactive material
• IATA DGR §10.7.1 — Marking requirements and specifications
• IATA DGR §10.7.2–10.7.4 — Labeling requirements, applicability, and placement
• IATA DGR §10.7.7 — Label specifications (Category I-White, II-Yellow, III-Yellow, CSI)
• IATA DGR §10.7.8 — Excepted package handling label specifications
• IATA DGR §10.5.15, Table 10.5.C — Category determination criteria
• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — Official publication page

DOT Requirements (Ground Transport Comparison):

• 49 CFR 172.403 — DOT radioactive materials labeling requirements
• 49 CFR 172.310 — DOT radioactive materials marking requirements

Related RadShip Guides:

• Labeling Basics (White-I, Yellow-II, Yellow-III)
• Transport Index Explained
• The Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD): Class 7 Guide
• Shipping Radioactive Material by Air: IATA Overview
• Passenger vs Cargo Aircraft: IATA Rules
• Excepted Packages Guide