Class 3 Flammable Liquids Explained | NZ Dangerous Goods Guide

What Are Class 3 Flammable Liquids?

Class 3 flammable liquids are substances that give off flammable vapours and can ignite easily when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flame.

These liquids present a significant fire risk during transport, which is why they are regulated under dangerous goods transport rules in New Zealand and internationally.

Common examples of Class 3 flammable liquids include:
  • Petrol (Gasoline)
  • Paint and paint related materials
  • Ethanol and alcohol based products
  • Solvents and thinners
  • Adhesives and resins


How Class 3 Flammable Liquids Are Classified 

A liquid is classified as Class 3 when it has a flash point of 60°C or below. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapour to ignite.

Class 3 flammable liquids will also be assigned a Packing Group (PG) based on their level of danger:

Packing Group I – High danger
Packing Group II – Medium danger
Packing Group III – Low danger

Correct classification is essential because it determines packaging, labelling, documentation and transport requirements.

Dangerous Goods Training (NZ)

If your business ships flammable liquids or other dangerous goods by road, proper training is required under NZS 5433 and the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005.

Enrol in our online training:
We are an online training platform that helps shippers and professionals understand and comply with dangerous goods requirements.

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