A limited quantity item is a hazardous material that is shipped in such small inner containers and total package amounts that it qualifies for reduced hazmat shipping rules under regulations like DOT and international standards. In everyday terms, these are dangerous goods in small retail-style packages that pose less risk in transport so long as they are properly packaged and labeled.

What “limited quantity” means

  • It refers to dangerous goods (hazardous materials) packed below specific volume or weight limits per inner container and per outer package.
  • Because of these limits, some of the usual hazmat requirements (marking, documentation, sometimes labeling) are reduced, but not removed entirely.

Common examples

Typical limited quantity items include small consumer products that are flammable, pressurized, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous, but in small sizes.

  • Aerosol cans like spray paint, deodorant, or air freshener.
  • Nail polish, nail polish remover, perfumes, and similar cosmetics with flammable solvents.
  • Small containers of paint, varnish, or certain adhesives.
  • Household cleaners and disinfectants, bleach, or drain cleaners in small bottles.
  • Some small batteries and similar dangerous goods where quantities are under defined limits.

If your original question lists several products and asks “which of the following is a limited quantity item?”, the correct choice would be the one that is a hazardous material packaged in a small inner container (for example, “aerosol spray paint in a 250 mL can” or “30 mL bottle of nail polish”), not a non‑hazardous item like regular clothing or books.

How to recognize it in questions or exams

When answering multiple‑choice or exam questions:

  • Look for: flammable liquids, aerosols, corrosive cleaners, solvents, or similar hazmat described in small bottles, cans, or inner packs.
  • Avoid choosing: obviously non‑hazardous items (paper, plastic toys, clothes) or large drums/bulk containers, because those are not limited quantity shipments.

If you share the specific answer options, a more pinpointed choice can be given.