DOT transport classification

Acetic acid: UN number by concentration

Under 49 CFR 172.101, acetic acid ≤10% is not regulated; >10% and <50% ships as UN2790 (class 8, packing group III); ≥50% and ≤80% ships as UN2790 (class 8, packing group II); >80% ships as UN2789 (class 8 with a 3 subsidiary, packing group II).

CAS 64-19-7 · Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table

Classification by concentration

Acetic acid — 49 CFR 172.101. Percentages are by mass (w/w).
ConcentrationUN numberClassPacking groupAlliance Chemical products
≤10%Not regulated——5% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade in a 1-gallon plastic jug from Alliance Chemical for pH adjustment and cleaning5% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade
>10% and <50%UN27908III10% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade in a 1-gallon plastic jug, Alliance Chemical for wastewater treatment10% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade†10% Vinegar Technical Grade in a 1-gallon plastic jug, Alliance Chemical, for industrial concrete etching10% Vinegar - Concentrated Industrial Strength†20% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade in a 1-gallon jug for textile processing and pH control, Alliance Chemical20% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade30% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade 1-gallon jug for wastewater neutralization and pH control, Alliance Chemical30% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade30% Vinegar technical grade 1-gallon jug Alliance Chemical for concrete etching and scale removal30% Vinegar - Concentrated Industrial Strength
≥50% and ≤80%UN27908II50% diluted acetic acid food grade in a 1-gallon white plastic jug from Alliance Chemical50% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade50% technical grade vinegar in a 1-gallon jug, Alliance Chemical, for concrete etching and pH neutralization50% Vinegar - Concentrated Industrial Strength75% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade in a 1-gallon plastic jug by Alliance Chemical for textile processing and pH adjustment75% Diluted Acetic Acid Food Grade75% technical grade vinegar 1-gallon jug from Alliance Chemical for industrial descaling and mineral scale removal75% Vinegar75% Vinegar ACS Grade in a 1-gallon plastic jug, Alliance Chemical, for precision pH adjustment and scale removal75% Vinegar ACS Grade
>80%UN27898 (3)IIAcetic Acid Glacial Food Grade in a 1-gallon jug from Alliance Chemical for pH adjustment and food preservationAcetic Acid Glacial - Food GradeAcetic Acid Glacial Technical Grade 1-gallon plastic jug from Alliance Chemical for chemical synthesis and solvent applicationsAcetic Acid Glacial Technical
  • ≤10%: Not regulated under this entry. NOTE: the threshold is by MASS — a nominal 10% v/v solution is ~10.5% w/w and IS regulated.
  • >80%: Glacial acetic acid, or solution >80% by mass. The flammable subsidiary applies because glacial acetic acid flashes at ~39 C.

How to read this

  • Percentages are by mass. 49 CFR 172.101 thresholds are w/w, but product labels often state volume (v/v). Near a cutoff the two can fall on opposite sides, so confirm the basis before classifying a shipment.
  • † This product's verified classification places it in this band even though its nominal (volume) percentage would suggest the neighbouring one — the by-mass figure is what governs.
  • Products listed are verified individually. A product appears in a band only when its own reviewed classification matches it. Where a product's classification is still under review, we leave it out rather than infer it from the table.
  • 1 acetic acid product is not listed above for that reason.
  • This page is a reference, not a shipping paper. Classification for an actual shipment depends on packaging, quantity and mode; consult the current eCFR entry and the product's safety data sheet.

Source

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Reference text: “50-80% acid by mass => Class 8 PG II (no subsidiary). >10% and <50% acid => Class 8 PG III. >80% acid OR glacial => UN2789 (Class 8 + 3 subsidiary, PG II). <=10% acid is not regulated under this entry.”

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