Simplified Global Shipping:
Understanding IATA Special Provision A152
Why It Matters
Understanding international cryogenic shipping requires a look at two specific components of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). These rules ensure that while Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) is technically a “Dangerous Good,” it can be shipped safely and without restriction when handled correctly in a dry shipper.
Navigating the Regulations
Packing Instruction 202 and Special Provision A152
What is Packing Instruction 202 (PI 202)
Packing Instruction 202 applies to Open Cryogenic Receptacles. It dictates the structural and safety requirements for containers designed to hold deeply refrigerated localized gases, like liquid nitrogen.
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The Goal: To ensure the container can withstand the extreme temperature differentials and physical rigors of flight without leaking or failing.
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Key Requirement: The packaging must consist of a triple system—a primary receptacle, a secondary leakproof packaging, and a rigid outer shipping container.
What is Special Provision A152?
Special Provision A152 is the “Exemption Clause.” It officially removes the “Dangerous Goods” classification from a shipment if the nitrogen is fully immobilized.
Official IATA Language: “Insulated packagings containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen fully absorbed in a porous material and intended for transport, at low temperature, of non-dangerous products are not subject to these Regulations provided the design of the insulated packaging would not allow the build-up of pressure within the container and would not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen irrespective of the orientation of the insulated packaging.”
IATA Special Provisions List: Official list including A152.
Engineering for Compliance
To qualify for the A152 exemption, the packaging must meet rigorous safety standards.
Our systems are designed to ensure:
Zero Pressure Build-up: The internal architecture prevents the accumulation of pressure during flight. The vessel itself also has pressure relief devices to prevent overpressurization.
Liquid Retention: Our advanced absorbent materials prevent the release of refrigerated liquid nitrogen, regardless of the packaging’s orientation. Even if the container is tipped or inverted, the nitrogen remains fully absorbed.
Safe Open Receptacles: Fully compliant with PI202 for open cryogenic receptacles
Key Benefits of Special Provision A152
Cost Savings
You avoid the high DG surcharges that can often double or triple the cost of a standard shipment.
Faster Customs Clearance
Exempt shipments move through standard cargo channels and are less likely to be held for intensive hazmat inspections.
Carrier Flexibility
Since the unit is “Not Restricted,” it can travel on passenger aircraft, giving you access to more flight paths and faster delivery times than “Cargo Aircraft Only” shipments.
Documentation Checklist
To ensure your shipment remains exempt under Special Provision A152, your Air Waybill must be accurately prepared. Ensure the following details are included:
Shipper Information: Full name and address of the sender.
Consignee Information: Full name and address of the recipient.
Package Details: The total number of packages and the total weight.
Exemption Statement: A clear reference that the shipment is “IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Exempt per Special Provision A152.”
For added peace of mind and seamless customs processing, we recommend including phasetwo’s official Manufacturer Statement of Compliance, which verifies that our vapor shippers are engineered to meet all requirements of IATA Special Provision A152
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A152 apply to all cryogenic shipments?
The exemption only applies to insulated packagings containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen fully absorbed in a porous material. If you are shipping a “wet” dewar with free-flowing liquid nitrogen, it is fully regulated as a Class 2.2 Dangerous Good (UN1977) and does not qualify for A152.
A152 is intended for the transport of non-dangerous products.
When it applies: Shipping non-infectious biological samples, food products, or electronic components.
When it does NOT apply: If the samples inside are themselves dangerous (such as Category A Infectious Substances), the overall shipment may still be restricted even if the nitrogen is fully absorbed.
| Feature | A152 Exempt (Vapor Phase) | Fully Regulated (Liquid Phase) |
| Nitrogen State | Fully Absorbed / Immobilized | Free-Flowing Liquid |
| IATA Classification | Not Restricted | Dangerous Goods (UN1977) |
| DG Surcharges | No | Yes |
| Paperwork | Standard Air Waybill only | Shipper’s Declaration Required |
| Aircraft Type | Passenger & Cargo | Subject to Carrier Limits |
Does this mean I don’t have to pay Dangerous Goods fees?
That is correct. By shipping under IATA Special Provision A152, you are effectively removing the “Dangerous Goods” classification from your shipment.
Why the Fees Are Waived
Normally, Liquid Nitrogen is a regulated hazardous material (UN1977) that requires specialized handling, pilot notification, and extra insurance, all of which trigger Dangerous Goods (DG) surcharges.
However, because the phasetwo dry shipper immobilizes the nitrogen in a porous “wick,” the risk of spill or pressure build-up is eliminated. IATA recognizes this safety feature by granting an exemption, which allows the shipment to be processed as standard, non-restricted cargo.
Key Benefits of A152 Exemption
Cost Savings: You avoid the high DG surcharges that can often double or triple the cost of a standard shipment.
Faster Customs Clearance: Exempt shipments move through standard cargo channels and are less likely to be held for intensive hazmat inspections.
Carrier Flexibility: Since the unit is “Not Restricted,” it can travel on passenger aircraft, giving you access to more flight paths and faster delivery times than “Cargo Aircraft Only” shipments.
Important Note: To ensure these fees are actually waived, your Air Waybill must explicitly state: “Not Restricted, as per Special Provision A152”. Without this specific language, a carrier may default to charging you DG fees out of caution.
Do these regulations apply to the biological samples being stored inside?
It is important to note that Special Provision A152 only exempts the shipping medium (the liquid nitrogen). If the biological samples themselves are classified as infectious substances (Category A or B), they may still be subject to separate Dangerous Goods regulations. A152 applies when the samples being transported are considered non-dangerous products.
Are there any weight or volume limits associated with PI202 and A152?
Unlike many dangerous goods that have strict “per-package” quantity limits, Special Provision A152 is focused on the design and safety of the container rather than the volume of nitrogen absorbed. As long as the nitrogen is fully absorbed and the package is documented with the total weight and name/address of both the shipper and consignee, it remains exempt from standard quantity restrictions.
How does a "Dry Shipper" differ from a standard Liquid Nitrogen container in the eyes of IATA?
A standard LN2 container holds “free” liquid that can spill if the unit is tipped, classifying it as a fully regulated Dangerous Good (UN1977). In contrast, a phasetwo dry shipper utilizes a specialized hydrophobic absorbent material that “wicks” the liquid nitrogen. This ensures the LN2 is fully immobilized, allowing the unit to be classified as non-hazardous under Special Provision A152 because there is no risk of liquid release during flight.
What specific language must appear on my shipping documentation to ensure exemption?
To avoid unnecessary delays or “Hazmat” inspections, your Air Waybill should explicitly state: “Not Restricted, as per IATA Special Provision A152.” This tells airline handlers and customs officials that the packaging has been engineered to prevent pressure build-up and liquid leakage, regardless of its orientation, and therefore does not require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods.
What specific markings must be visible on the outer shipping container?
While you are exempt from hazard labels, the outer package should be clearly marked with:
“Dry Shipper – Not Restricted”: This identifies the technology being used.
“Exempt per IATA Special Provision A152”: This provides the legal basis for the lack of hazmat documentation.
Orientation Arrows: Although the internal design prevents leakage regardless of orientation, IATA PI202 best practices recommend “Package Orientation” (This Way Up) arrows on two opposite vertical sides to ensure the unit remains in its engineered upright position. Our shipping container already has this feature bolded on the container.
