HazmatTable Guide
What Is a Reportable Quantity (RQ)?
A reportable quantity, or RQ, is the quantity assigned to a hazardous substance in the federal hazardous-substance list. Appendix A to 49 CFR §172.101 lists hazardous substances and their corresponding RQs.
Short answer
A reportable quantity, or RQ, is the quantity assigned to a hazardous substance in the federal hazardous-substance list. Appendix A to 49 CFR §172.101 lists hazardous substances and their corresponding RQs.
A reportable quantity, or RQ, is the quantity assigned to a hazardous substance in the federal hazardous-substance list. Appendix A to 49 CFR §172.101 lists hazardous substances and their corresponding RQs.
Why this matters
People use the RQ when determining whether a material meets the HMR definition of a hazardous substance for transportation. The number is not just a generic “danger level”; it is part of a regulatory classification workflow.
A better workflow
Search the material first, identify the listed RQ and units, then compare the amount of the hazardous substance in the package with that threshold. For mixtures, you must consider the actual quantity of the listed constituent, not simply assume the gross package weight is the regulated constituent.
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.
Authoritative references: 49 CFR §172.101 / Appendix A and PHMSA hazmat guidance. PHMSA Hazmat · Appendix A source used for this database