Safe shipping of dangerous goods
Dangerous goods (LQ) value-added service for parcel consignments
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The “Dangerous goods LQ” (limited quantities) value-added service enables you to ship dangerous goods that are permitted in the parcel channel.
Examples of permitted dangerous goods:
- Dangerous goods in limited quantities, as per section 3.4 ADR, such as
- Spray cans; maximum 1 litre per container
- Paint thinner (UN 1263 Packing Group II; maximum 5 litres per container)
- Perfume; maximum 5 litres per container
- Hand sanitizer; maximum 1 litre per container
- Lithium batteries with a maximum rating of 100 Wh as per special provision 188 ADR (EXCLUDING E-BIKE BATTERIES!)
- Dry ice, e.g. as a coolant as per section 5.5.3 ADR
Initial information on the regulations for sending dangerous goods as parcels can be found in the dangerous goods manual (PDF, 507.8 KB).
More information on accepted dangerous goods is also available from dangerous.goods@swisspost.ch.
As the sender, you are responsible and liable for ensuring that only permitted goods are posted in the parcel channel and that the dangerous goods are safely packaged and correctly labelled. The “Dangerous goods LQ” value-added service barcode must be affixed to all dangerous goods consignments sent via the parcel channel.
Shipment of dangerous goods consignments is subject to a charge and costs CHF 1.10 incl. VAT at the counter or CHF 1.00 excl. VAT for business customers (list price).
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- Explosive substances and objects such as fireworks, table crackers, sparklers, rockets, fountains, etc.
- Gas canisters for barbecues
- Lithium batteries with a rating of more than 100 watt-hours, such as those used for e-bikes and power tools, etc.
- Radioactive substances and objects, including those in excepted packages
This list is not exhaustive.
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As most dangerous goods fall into the category of “Dangerous goods packed in limited quantities” as per section 3.4 ADR, the information below will cover only the requirements that apply to this exemption. More information on other exemptions, such as lithium batteries or fireworks, can be found in the dangerous goods manual (PDF, 507.8 KB).
- The maximum quantity per inner packaging may not be exceeded. Maximum quantities per dangerous goods item are indicated in the ADR in table 3.2, column 7a and in the safety data sheet for your goods.
- The packaged consignment may not exceed 30 kg.
As most dangerous goods fall into the category of “Dangerous goods packed in limited quantities” as per section 3.4 ADR, the information below will cover only the requirements that apply to this exemption. More information on other exemptions, such as lithium batteries and fireworks, can be found in the dangerous goods manual (PDF, 507.8 KB).
- The dangerous goods are packed using inner packaging (e.g. tightly closed bottles) and suitable outer packaging (e.g. strong cardboard or Dispobox).
- The inner packaging is well padded and secured against slipping; it may not damage the outer packaging and must be airtight.
- The outer packaging must protect the contents securely.
The following information must be indicated on the parcel (shipping item):
- An LQ value-added service barcode
- The correct dangerous goods label as per the applicable regulations. More information on this can be found in the dangerous goods manual The label must be weather-resistant
- Gross weight, if applicable
- For liquids: orientation arrows on two opposite sides of the shipping item
- For even greater safety, dangerous goods consignments can be combined with the “Signature” value-added service; in such cases, the consignment will be handed over only in exchange for the recipient’s signature.
- With regard to electronic addressing, please consult our “Domestic parcel labels” online service.
More information on the regulations for sending dangerous goods as parcels can be found in the dangerous goods manual (PDF, 507.8 KB).
Swiss Post’s liability
The liability limits for the selected shipping option apply.
Sender’s liability
As the sender, you are responsible for ensuring that you send only permitted goods in the parcel channel and that these are correctly packaged and labelled.
If you fail to do so, Swiss Post must invoice you for any damage and consequential damage and is required to report major violations.