HazmatTable Guide
What Does RQ Mean on a Hazmat Shipping Paper?
“RQ” is additional information used when the material is a hazardous substance meeting the applicable quantity criteria.
Short answer
“RQ” is additional information used when the material is a hazardous substance meeting the applicable quantity criteria.
“RQ” is additional information used when the material is a hazardous substance meeting the applicable quantity criteria.
Why this matters
The basic shipping description itself contains the identification number, proper shipping name, hazard class/division and packing group when applicable. Hazardous-substance requirements can add information around that basic description.
A better workflow
Do not treat “RQ” as a substitute for classification. First build the correct basic description, then apply the hazardous-substance requirements that apply to the shipment.
Check your material in HazmatTable
Search the table, compare the listed RQ, and see the source in seconds.
What HazmatTable helps with
- Search a chemical, synonym, waste code or radionuclide.
- See the listed RQ and units without scanning a long PDF.
- Preserve important Appendix A footnotes and source context.
- Compare an entered package quantity with the listed RQ.
- Continue into related shipping and classification guides.
Important: HazmatTable is a reference and workflow tool, not a legal certification of a shipment. The shipper must verify the current HMR and the actual material, quantity, packaging and mode.
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Authoritative references: 49 CFR §172.101 / Appendix A and PHMSA hazmat guidance. PHMSA Hazmat · Appendix A source used for this database