UN 1090 (Acetone) — Air Shipping Requirements
Air transport classification, aircraft status, packing instructions and key regulatory considerations for UN 1090 (Acetone).
Class 3
Flammable liquid
Packing Group II
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Passenger & cargo aircraft requirements for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) is PERMITTED on both PASSENGER and CARGO-ONLY aircraft. The applicable packing instructions and quantity limites per package may differ depending on the aircraft type.
PASSENGER — UN 1090 may be shipped under Packing Instruction 353 with a maximum net quantity of 5 liters per package. Strict inner-packaging quantity limits and packaging conditions also apply.
CARGO ONLY — UN 1090 may be shipped under Packing Instruction 364 with a maximum net quantity of 60 liters per package. Strict inner-packaging quantity limits and packaging conditions also apply.
Where passenger aircraft is permitted, shipments are generally subject to more restrictive quantity limits per package but may offer access to a broader network of scheduled routes. Where cargo-only aircraft is permitted, shipments may allow larger quantities per package, although routing options can be more limited depending on the origin, destination and airline operator.
excepted & limited quantity provisions for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) is eligible for both LIMITED QUANTITY (“LQ") and EXCEPTED QUANTITY (“EQ") provisions, subject to the applicable conditions. The provisions allow smaller quantities to be transported under simplified requirements compared with a standard dangerous goods shipment.
LIMITED QUANTITY — UN 1090 may be shipped under Packing Instruction Y341 with a maximum net quantity of 1 liter per package. Strict inner-packaging quantity limits and packaging conditions also apply.
EXCEPTED QUANTITY — UN 1090 is also eligible for Excepted Quantity provisions, with a maximum net quantity of 0.5 liter per package. Strict inner-packaging quantity limits and packaging conditions also apply.
The provisions do not remove the dangerous goods classification. The applicable packing, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation, special provisions, state variations (or country restrictions) and operator variations (or airline restrictions) must still be checked.
permitted packaging for UN 1090 (Acetone)
Certified UN specification packaging is require for standard shipments of UN 1090 and must meet the applicable Packing Group II performance level.
Depending on the applicable Packing Instruction, permitted packaging configuration may include single, combination or composite packagings. Common authorized packaging families can include drums, jerricans, and boxes, subject to the conditions of the relevant Packing Instruction.
Different packaging rules appy when UN 1090 is shipped under Limited Quantity (“LQ”) or Excepted Quantity (“EQ”) provisions. These alternatives may change the packaging performance requirements, packaging configuration and quantity limits that apply.
The exact packaging codes (to be provided to the the packaging manufacturer), packaging configuration and instruction-specific conditions depend on the shipping method used and should be checked against the applicable Packing Instruction and any relevant Special Provisios, State Variations (or Country Restrictions) or Operator Variations (or Airline Restrictions).
marks & labels for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) requires the applicable dangerous goods marks and labels to identity the substance, its hazard, and the shipping conditions that apply without even opening the package. The exact combination depends on the shipment method and any applicable Packing Instruction, Special Provision, State Variation (or Country Restriction), Operator Variation (or Airline Restriction).
Package markings may include UN number, Proper Shipping Name, consignor and consignee information, and any additonal marks required by the shipping method used. Limited Quantity, Excepted Quantity, or other special marks apply only when the shipment is prepared under those provisions.
Package labels include the applicable Class 3 Flammable Liquid hazard label.
Additional handling labels or marks, such as Cargo Aircraft Only or orientation arrows, must be applied when required by the specific packaging configuration or transport conditions.
The exact combination, placement, dimension, and application of marks and labels must be checked against the applicable requirements before the package is offer for air transport.
Primary hazard label: Class 3 — Flammable Liquid
UN number / Proper Shipping Name: Required
Cargo Aircraft Only: If on a cargo-only aircraft
Orientation arrows: Required
Limited Quantity mark: If under provision
Excepted Quantity mark: If under the provision
special provisions for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) is subject to 0 Special Provisions.
These provisions form part of the applicable air transport requirements and must be reviewed together with the dangerous goods entry and the relevant Packing Instructions.
The assigned Special Provision(s) may modify, supplement, restrict or otherwise affect specific requirements, including classification, packing, packaging, quantity limits, documentation, acceptance conditions, or the circumstances under which the entry may be transported by air.
The exact effect of each Special Provision depends on the shipping scenario. The full conditions of Special Provisions should therefore be checked before the shipment is prepared or offered for air transport.
State variations for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) is subject to additional or more restrictive requirements in 4 countries.
These State Variations must be considered alongside the applicable ICAO/IATA requirements when a shipment originates from, transits through, or is destined for an affected country.
Country-specific requirements may modifiy transport conditions, require additional approvals or documentation, impose different packaging or quantity limits, or affect whether a particular shipping method is accepted.
The eact requirements depend on the countries involved in the shipment route. Applicable State Variations shoud therefore be checked before UN 1090 is prepared, booked, or offered for air transport.
operator variations for UN 1090 (Acetone)
UN 1090 (Acetone) is subject to additional or more restrictive requirements from 35 airline operators.
These Operator Variations must be considered in addition to the applicable ICAO/IATA requirements when selecting a carrier for the shipment.
Airline-specific requirements may restrict or prohibit carriage, reduce permitted quantities, require additional documentation or handling measures, or impose other acceptance conditions beyond the general air transport provisions.
The exact requirements depend on the airline operating the shipment. Applicable operator variations should therefore be checked before UN 1090 is booked or offered for air transport.
Why is UN 1090 (Acetone) dangerous on an aircraft?
Acetone is a highly flammable liquid that readily produces flammable vapours at normal temperatures. Its low flash point means that vapour released from a leaking or damaged package can ignite when exposed to a suitable ignition source, creating a significant fire hazard.
In an aircraft environment, acetone vapours may accumulate in confined cargo spaces following leakage or package failure. Changes in pressure and temperature, vibration, and cargo handling can contribute to releases, while nearby electrical equipment, hot surfaces, or other ignition sources can increase the risk of vapour ignition and fire propagation.
UN 1090 (Acetone) is classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid and assigned to Packing Group II, reflecting a medium degree of danger within the class. Applicable air transport requirements are intended to control leakage, vapour release, ignition, and fire risks during transport.
Frequently asked questions
What is UN 1090?
UN 1090 is Acetone, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to Packing Group II.
What are the packing instructions for UN 1090?
Packing instruction 353 applies to passenger aircraft and packing instruction 364 to Cargo Aircraft Only, subject to all applicable conditions and variations.
What packing group UN 1090 assigned to?
Packing Group II — the medium of the three danger levels.
Can UN 1090 be shipped on a passenger aircraft?
Yes, up to 5 L net per package but the instructions of PI 353 MUST be followed strictly.
Can UN 1090 be shipped on a cargo-only aircraft?
Yes, up to 60 L net per package but the instructions of PI 364 MUST be followed strictly.
Is UN 1090 eligible for limited quantity provisions?
Yes, up to 1 L net per package but the instructions of PI Y341 MUST be followed strictly.
Is UN 1090 eligible for excepted quantity provisions?
Yes, up to 0.5 Liter net per outer packaging and up to 0.03 Liter net per inner packaging.
Is UN specification packaging required for UN 1090?
Yes under the packaging instructions PI 353 (Passenger) and PI 364 (Cargo). They are not required under the limited quantity and excepted quantity provisions unless directly requested by special provisions, state restrictions and airline restrictions.
Is shipper's declaration required for UN 1090?
Yes under the packaging instructions PI 353 (Passenger), PI 364 (Cargo) and under the limited quantity provision. It is not required under the excepted quantity provision unless directly requested by special provisions, state restrictions and airline restrictions.