Shipping Dangerous Goods? Here’s What You Must Know to Stay Safe and Legal
Table of Contents
- What are dangerous goods and how are they classified?
- What’s required to ship dangerous goods?
- How much can you transport and how to stay compliant
What are dangerous goods and how are they classified?
Dangerous goods—also known as hazardous materials—are items that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during transport. These can include:
- Chemicals (flammable, corrosive, toxic)
- Batteries (especially lithium-based)
- Gases under pressure
- Explosives and flares
- Some cleaning products or paints
They’re divided into 9 UN hazard classes, each with specific labeling, packaging, and documentation rules. Before shipping anything, you need to know exactly what class your product belongs to.
What’s required to ship dangerous goods?
Shipping dangerous goods is not like sending a t-shirt. You’ll need:
- A Dangerous Goods Note (DGN): this document outlines the nature and classification of the cargo.
- Proper UN numbers and hazard labels
- Approved packaging that’s tested and certified
- A trained person responsible for preparing and signing the shipment
And yes, training is mandatory—there’s no improvisation when it comes to safety and international transport laws.
How much dangerous goods can I transport?
The amount depends on:
- The type of goods (class and risk level)
- The mode of transport (air, sea, road)
- Whether you’re shipping under limited quantities or full declaration
For example, under certain rules (like IATA for air or ADR for road), you can carry small amounts as excepted quantities, which reduce some paperwork. But larger volumes require full compliance, including safety plans, emergency contacts, and routing restrictions.
FAQ: Dangerous Goods Shipping
What are the factors to consider when transporting dangerous goods?
Classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, transport method, and staff training.
What is required to ship dangerous goods?
A DGN, proper labeling, certified packaging, and a trained person in charge of preparation.
What is a dangerous goods note for shipping?
It’s a legal document that lists the type, quantity, and classification of dangerous goods being transported.
Start shipping dangerous goods with ONE Srl: stay compliant and safe with expert support!