Cargo Tools
Air Cargo Special Handling Codes (SHC)
Look up 41 IATA special handling codes for dangerous goods, live animals, perishables, valuables, and more.
Special handling codes tell airlines and handlers how cargo must be treated.
How to use this directory
Open an entry below for its full details. Confirm operational details with the responsible carrier, handler, or authority before relying on them.
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- AVI Special Handling Code – Live Animals
- BIG Special Handling Code – Outsized/Oversized Cargo
- CAO Special Handling Code – Cargo Aircraft Only
- CAT Special Handling Code – Cat
- COL Special Handling Code – Cool Cargo
- CRT Special Handling Code – Controlled Room Temperature
- DIP Special Handling Code – Diplomatic Mail/Bags
- DOG Special Handling Code – Dog
- ELI Special Handling Code – Lithium Ion Batteries
- ELM Special Handling Code – Lithium Metal Batteries
- ERT Special Handling Code – Emergency/Time Critical
- FRO Special Handling Code – Frozen Cargo
- GOH Special Handling Code – Garments on Hangers
- HEA Special Handling Code – Heavy Cargo
- HEG Special Handling Code – Hatching Eggs
- HUM Special Handling Code – Human Remains
- ICE Special Handling Code – Dry Ice (Carbon Dioxide, Solid)
- LHO Special Handling Code – Live Human Organs
- MAG Special Handling Code – Magnetized Material
- OBX Special Handling Code – Obnoxious Cargo
- OHG Special Handling Code – Overhang Cargo
- PEF Special Handling Code – Perishable - Fish/Seafood
- PEM Special Handling Code – Perishable - Meat
- PEP Special Handling Code – Perishable - Fruits and Vegetables
- PER Special Handling Code – Perishable Cargo
- PES Special Handling Code – Perishable - Pharmaceutical
- PIL Special Handling Code – Perishable - Pharmaceuticals
- RCM Special Handling Code – Corrosive Substances
- RFL Special Handling Code – Flammable Liquid
- RFS Special Handling Code – Flammable Solid
- RGX Special Handling Code – Compressed Gas
- RRE Special Handling Code – Environmentally Hazardous
- RRG Special Handling Code – Radioactive
- RSC Special Handling Code – Spontaneously Combustible
- RXS Special Handling Code – Dangerous Goods as per IATA DGR
- SPX Special Handling Code – Security Screened
- VAL Special Handling Code – Valuable Cargo
- VUN Special Handling Code – Vulnerable Cargo
- WET Special Handling Code – Wet Cargo
- XPS Special Handling Code – Express/Priority
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Frequently asked questions
What is an SHC code?
A three-letter code on air cargo documents that tells handlers about special requirements, such as AVI for live animals or PER for perishables.