Dangerous goods basics
Dangerous goods (DG) are cargo that can harm people, property or the environment while it is stored or moved. They are tightly regulated. This guide explains the basic ideas so you know what to ask. It does not tell you how to classify a specific product. That is for the manufacturer, a qualified adviser and the licensed carrier.
What counts as dangerous goods
Everyday items can be dangerous goods: paint, aerosols, perfume, cleaning products, batteries, adhesives, some electronics and some chemicals. A product is dangerous goods if it meets the criteria in the transport rules, not because of how it is sold. If you are not sure, treat it as possibly dangerous and ask early. See Dangerous goods through licensed handlers.
The nine UN hazard classes
The United Nations system groups dangerous goods into nine classes. Some classes are split into divisions.
| Class | Hazard |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives |
| 2 | Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) |
| 3 | Flammable liquids |
| 4 | Flammable solids, and substances that ignite on their own or react with water |
| 5 | Oxidising substances and organic peroxides |
| 6 | Toxic and infectious substances |
| 7 | Radioactive material |
| 8 | Corrosives |
| 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous goods, including lithium batteries |
UN numbers and proper shipping names
Each dangerous substance or article is listed with a four-digit UN number and a proper shipping name. For example, lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own are listed under UN 3480. The UN number, name, class and packing group appear on documents and labels, and identify the cargo for carriers and emergency responders.
The safety data sheet
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a standard document from the manufacturer or supplier. It describes the hazards, composition, handling, storage and emergency measures for a product. Carriers and handlers usually ask for the SDS before they accept chemical cargo, and a current copy should travel with your enquiry. Ask your supplier for the latest version.
Rule sets by mode
Each mode has its own rules, built on the UN model rules:
- Sea: the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
- Air: the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which follow the international civil aviation technical instructions.
- Road and rail: national and regional rules that follow the same model.
Rules differ in packaging, labels, quantity limits and which items an aircraft may carry at all. A product allowed by sea may be restricted by air. Rules are updated regularly, so the current edition applies.
Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are a common case. They fall under class 9 and have their own entries, depending on whether they are lithium-ion or lithium metal, and whether they are shipped on their own, packed with equipment or contained in equipment. Air rules are strict: for example, lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own (UN 3480) are not carried on passenger aircraft and must normally be offered at a state of charge of no more than 30 percent. The rules are updated each year, so check the current edition. Packaging and test summaries are normally required. Tell us at the start if your cargo contains batteries, including those inside devices.
Why only licensed handlers and carriers
Dangerous goods must be packed, marked, declared and carried by people trained and approved to do so. Packing errors or a wrong declaration can put people at risk, and can lead to refusal, fines or the cargo being held. Ayer arranges dangerous goods only through licensed handlers and carriers, and does not handle them itself.
Questions
Can you tell me the class of my product?
No. Classification comes from the manufacturer's data, the safety data sheet and the rules, and is confirmed by qualified people. We pass your data to the licensed handler.
What should I send for a dangerous goods enquiry?
The product name, the safety data sheet, UN number if known, packing type, quantity per package, total quantity, route and mode.
Can dangerous goods go as LCL or by air?
Sometimes, with limits. It depends on the class, quantity and carrier. Ask before you book.