However, several international transport regulations provide exemptions for activated carbon under specific conditions:

Road and Rail Transport (ADR and RID)

• Special Provision SP646 provides a full exemption from ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) and RID (Renlement Concernant Le Transport International Ferroviaire de Marchandises Dangereuses) requirements for:
  • Steam activated carbon
  • Chemically activated carbon, provided it passes the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Test N.4, for self-heating substances.
    • Package size restrictions may apply depending on the test outcome.

Maritime Transport (IMDG Code):

• Special Provision SP925 is valid until 31 December 2025, after which it is replaced by SP979.
• Under SP979:
  • Steam activated carbon continues to receive an absolute exemption as it does under SP925.
• Chemically activated carbon may also be exempt if it passes the N.4 test from the UN Manual for Tests and Criteria. Specific restrictions may apply on the package size (volume), subject to package size restrictions depending on the outcome of the N.4 test.

International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR):

• Special Provision A3 requires both steam and chemically activated carbon undergo Test N.4 from the UN manual for Tests and Criteria.
• Exemptions and package size limitations are determined by the test results.

Packing Group Classification:

• Unless otherwise restricted to package size limited based on the outcome of Test N.4, both steam and chemically activated carbons are subject to Packing Group III across the relevant transport codes.