Airlines requiring a UN0012 or UN0014 proof

[VertigoBE]

Dear esteemed AH members,

I have another question for you. One that might be more for our European members.
I have been looking into the requirements to go hunting in South Africa, with my own firearms and munition.

An airline that I am considering is asking me for "proof that the ammunition I bring falls under UN0012 1.4S or UN0014 1.4S"

I had to look these codes up, and these are SAAMI codes for the standards around the transport of dangerous goods via different means. UN0012 1.4S seems to be the most applicable for airline travel, as it is concerning ammunition for small arms, up to caliber .50 .

However they are insisting on a document with "proof" that any ammunition I would like to fly with, is indeed falling under that standard. They told me to look on the ammunition box (nothing there), contact the manufacturer (got a very friendly person from Norma, Ruag in Sweden on the phone, who told and later emailed me that this is implicit, otherwise they would not be able to sell ammunition. And that in any case these standards apply on bulk transport of ammo. Not personal own use, less than 5kg hunting munition).

In the mean time, this airline person is not willing to share what such a proof would look like.

Has anyone here ever heard of this requirement? Do you know what this is about?

thanks,

Vertigo

 

[375er]

Sounds like one or all of 3 things. Person is new to the job, doesn't know what they are talking about, or has a personal agenda.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

In the mean time, this airline person is not willing to share what such a proof would look like.

That's because they haven't got a clue what 1.4S means!

1.4 is the Hazard Class and Division (Hc/D);

Class 1: Explosives​

This first class is broken into 6 different divisions within itself. Each division carries a specific hazard, with explosion being the number one or most significant.

Division 1.1 – Explosives which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.2 – Explosives which have a projection hazard but not a “mass” explosion hazard.

Division 1.3 – Explosives which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but NOT a mass explosion hazard.

Division 1.4 – Explosives which present no significant hazard.

The "S" is the Compatibility Group; Substance or article so packed or designed that any hazardous effects arising from accidental functioning are limited to the extent that they do not significantly hinder or prohibit fire fighting or other emergency response efforts in the immediate vicinity of the package

In a nutshell, small arms in Hc/D 1.4S can be shipped with just about any other explosive material because worse case, they would not significantly enhance the effects of other explosive items.

 

[VertigoBE]

Indeed, the fact that this guy is A. new and unknowledgeable is pretty obvious after even a cursory reading of those SAAMI standards (which even talk rather about 25kg of ammunition per package, and how to palettize this) and B. unwilling/has an agenda, because he does not want to help at all on what kind of proof he is expecting "in the past we managed to obtain this without problems".

But like with all people in a "official" function, if they receive something that they cannot get around, they will need to comply.

 

[BourbonTrail]

The manufacturers may have material safety data sheets for their ammo. This would be proof of compliance

 

[VertigoBE]

Well, Jennifer from TravelExpress is at a loss too, she never heard of this requirement.

 

[375er]

Somebody making shit up. See if you can get to another person.

 

[VertigoBE]

Somebody making shit up. See if you can get to another person.

His two colleagues are in cc of all the mails. They are not even responding...

 

[VertigoBE]

Some people have mentioned, send a few pictures of the ammo boxes... but I'm not sure I want to send them a picture like this. It will send the wrong signal I believe. (I also told Norma this, to change the pictures on their ammo boxes. People buying these know what it is for already).

 

[Jeff 907]

Individual boxes of ammunition won’t have the HC/D since it’s not required by regulations. All small arms with the exception to specialty ammunition will fall under 1.4S UN0012. The USA uses CFR49 for transporting hazardous cargo. I think Europe uses ADR which is a treaty from long ago. Some Asian and African countries fall under that as well. Still five kilograms is under the requirement.

 

[BourbonTrail]

https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/MSDS/105-000-500_NORMA%20TAC-22%20.22%20LR%2040GR%20LRN%20AMMO%20-%2060G_default.pdf

Norma SDS for ammo, 1.4 S is on like 3rd page

You’re welcome

 

[BRICKBURN]

What airline?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Took me a minute to figure it out. Where would the muppet come up with this requirement?
Right here in IATA Docs.

Hope this helps focus the efforts.

 

[VertigoBE]

What airline?

AirBelgium. And apparently FinnAir has the same requirement. Looks like something EU related

 

[VertigoBE]

https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/MSDS/105-000-500_NORMA%20TAC-22%20.22%20LR%2040GR%20LRN%20AMMO%20-%2060G_default.pdf

Norma SDS for ammo, 1.4 S is on like 3rd page

You’re welcome

thanks a million ! this could work! It does not mention the UN0012 however... only 1.4S
As I cannot access the US Brownells site, could you check if they have one of such sheets for RWS ammunition?

 

[VertigoBE]

Took me a minute to figure it out. Where would the muppet come up with this requirement?
Right here in IATA Docs.

Hope this helps focus the efforts.

View attachment 491256

This is the exact table that he is sending me, requiring me to "prove" that my ammunition is UN0012

 

[BRICKBURN]

AirBelgium. And apparently FinnAir has the same requirement. Looks like something EU related

All airlines that are part of IATA follow this policy. You just have someone deciding to be over zealous.

 

[DieJager]

Let us know how it works out. Was considering air Belgium in the future

 

[VertigoBE]

Let us know how it works out. Was considering air Belgium in the future

We should know soon enough. I sent him @BourbonTrail 's document. If he does not accept this, then I'm all out of ideas.

 

[Opposite Pole]

This is the exact table that he is sending me, requiring me to "prove" that my ammunition is UN0012

This means they want you to prove that these are small arms cartridges, do you have any approval from the authorities permitting you to take the firearm and ammo abroad? Perhaps send them a copy of that along with the picture of CIP proof marks and calibre from the ammo box.

Norma’s box mentiones “small arms ammunition”

View attachment 491263