Shipping dangerous goods: the basics shippers need to know

Dangerous goods — anything that could harm people, property or the environment in transport — can usually be shipped, but only when they are classified, packed, marked and declared correctly. Each mode has its own rules: the IMDG Code for sea, the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air and, in Europe, ADR for road.

Classification comes first

Every dangerous good has a UN number, a proper shipping name, a hazard class (1 to 9) and, for many classes, a packing group showing the degree of danger. This information is on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), section 14. The shipper is legally responsible for it.

Packaging and marking

Most DG must travel in UN-approved packaging that has passed performance tests for the product and packing group. Packages are marked with the UN number and proper shipping name and carry the hazard labels for their class. Containers carrying DG are placarded.

Documents

• A dangerous goods declaration for the mode of transport.

• The Safety Data Sheet.

• A container packing certificate for sea shipments.

• Any special permits for restricted substances.

Carrier acceptance

Carriers and terminals may refuse certain classes, limit quantities or require extra approvals, and rules differ by port and airline. A booking is not confirmed for DG until acceptance has been granted.

Common reasons for rejection

• SDS older than the product formulation or missing section 14 data.

• Packaging not approved for the packing group.

• Mismatch between the declaration and the labels.

• Incompatible classes loaded together.

This article is general guidance. DG regulations are detailed and change regularly; follow the current edition of the applicable regulations and your carrier’s instructions.