Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Dangerous Goods

Shipping dangerous goods (DG) requires a high degree of expertise, regulatory compliance, and attention to detail. While shipping companies prohibit the transport of several items due to potential risks, many goods that fall under the dangerous category are still transported globally with extreme caution.

These shipments are crucial across industries like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, where the demand for hazardous materials continues to grow. This blog explores what constitutes dangerous goods, the regulations around their transport, the different classes of DG, packaging guidelines, documentation, and how to ship hazardous materials.

What Are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials or hazmat, are substances that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment during transportation. These goods are regulated under international shipping laws because they are inherently volatile, flammable, corrosive, toxic, explosive, or otherwise hazardous.

Their importance in modern society, however, cannot be overstated. They are used in producing medicines, fuels, pesticides, disinfectants, electronic devices, and many other essential products. As such, rather than banning their transport altogether, global shipping networks have developed highly controlled procedures to manage them safely.

What Commodities Are Considered Dangerous Goods?

The category of dangerous goods includes a wide range of items that may not always seem hazardous at first glance. For example, even something as seemingly harmless as nail polish remover or a mobile phone battery can be classified as a dangerous good when transported in bulk or under specific conditions.

More obviously dangerous items include explosives like fireworks and detonators, flammable liquids such as gasoline and ethanol, and toxic substances like arsenic and cyanide compounds. Other goods in this category are compressed gases (like oxygen and propane), corrosive substances such as battery acid and strong cleaning chemicals, and radioactive materials used in medical imaging and nuclear power.

One of the most commonly shipped dangerous items today is lithium batteries. Found in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and countless other devices, lithium batteries are known for their ability to overheat and catch fire, especially when damaged or improperly packed.

Classes of Dangerous Goods

To ensure proper handling and regulation, dangerous goods are categorised into nine classes based on the type of risk they present:

Class 1 includes explosives like fireworks and ammunition. These substances can detonate or cause violent reactions under certain conditions.

Class 2 is for gases, both flammable and non-flammable. Items such as propane, butane, and even helium fall under this category, as pressurised gases can explode or expand dangerously if exposed to heat.

Class 3 covers flammable liquids like diesel, paint thinner, and alcohol. These are materials that ignite easily and require tight temperature control.

Class 4 includes flammable solids and substances that spontaneously combust or emit flammable gases when wet. Examples include matches and sodium metal.

Class 5 is for oxidizing substances and organic peroxides. These chemicals can intensify fires or react violently with other substances.

Class 6 relates to toxic and infectious substances such as pesticides, biohazards, and medical waste.

Class 7 contains radioactive materials used in medicine and energy production.

Class 8 is for corrosive materials like hydrochloric acid or bleach, which can degrade metals or cause severe burns.

Class 9 is a catch-all category for miscellaneous dangerous goods like dry ice, lithium batteries, and environmentally hazardous substances that don’t fall into the above classes but still pose risks.

Read More: Eco-Friendly Packaging: Sustainable Packaging Ideas for 2025

Packaging Guidelines for Dangerous Goods

When it comes to shipping of dangerous goods, packaging is not just about enclosing the product—it’s about creating a barrier against accidents. Improper packaging can lead to leaks, explosions, or contamination, which can endanger lives and delay shipments.

To standardise safety, shipping of dangerous goods is done on the basis of three packaging groups based on the level of danger they present:

Packing Group I includes substances considered highly dangerous. These require the most robust packaging and are marked with an “X.” These materials typically include strong acids, poisons, and volatile explosives.

Packing Group II consists of moderately dangerous substances. Packaging for these items is marked with a “Y” and must meet strong safety criteria, though not as stringent as Group I.

Packing Group III includes substances considered to pose low danger, such as diluted chemicals or less volatile materials. Packaging is marked with a “Z.”

Performance-Oriented Packaging (POP) is a requirement, especially for air transport. POP packaging must undergo rigorous tests to simulate conditions during flight, such as high-altitude pressure changes, impacts, and vibrations. Packages that pass these tests are marked with a UN symbol, indicating they are approved for the transportation of hazardous materials.

Read More: A Complete Guide to eCommerce Packaging

Shipping Regulations Concerning Dangerous Goods

Shipping regulations concerning how to ship dangerous goods in India are governed by international conventions and national laws to ensure safety and environmental protection. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is strictly followed for maritime transport, while the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) oversees compliance. Shippers must classify, package, label, and document hazardous materials accurately. Additionally, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Rules under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, provide guidelines for safe handling.

Ports require advanced notification and proper documentation before accepting dangerous cargo. Non-compliance can result in heavy penalties, detention of cargo, or legal action, emphasizing the importance of regulatory adherence.

One of the key elements of shipping dangerous goods is testing the package and labeling it accurately before transit. These regulations aim to minimise risk, ensure traceability, and provide emergency responders with the necessary information in case of an incident.

Interestingly, despite strict regulations, air remains a widely used mode of transport for DG shipments. Items such as dry ice, flammable liquids, and lithium batteries are among the most commonly shipped via this method.

Transporting Hazardous Goods by Air: Accessible vs. Inaccessible Dangerous Goods

The shipping of dangerous goods by air requires distinguishing between accessible and inaccessible dangerous goods.

Accessible dangerous goods are those that must remain within reach of the flight crew or attendants throughout the journey. This is necessary when the contents pose a risk that requires monitoring or possible intervention during the flight. Examples include fireworks, compressed flammable gases, flammable liquids like paint, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, corrosive substances like strong acids, and spontaneously combustible materials such as phosphorus.

These items are typically stored in a specific location within the aircraft where trained staff can inspect or manage them during transit if necessary.

Inaccessible dangerous goods, on the other hand, are those that do not require mid-flight monitoring and can be transported along with other cargo. This category includes materials like lithium batteries, dry ice, chemical kits, radioactive isotopes used in diagnostics, infectious substances, and many toxic chemicals used in agriculture.

Proper classification into accessible and inaccessible categories helps air carriers manage space and safety procedures more effectively.

Documents Required for Shipping Dangerous Goods

Transporting dangerous goods without the correct documentation is not only illegal but also dangerous. Accurate documentation ensures that every party involved—from loaders and shippers to customs officers and emergency responders—understands the nature of the cargo.

The most important documents include:

• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): This is typically an IATA form filled by the shipper, detailing the nature of the dangerous items, their classification, and packaging specifications.
  
• Certificate of Origin: This document confirms the country where the goods were manufactured or assembled.
  
• Bill of Lading (BOL): A contract between the shipper and carrier outlining the terms of transport and ownership of the cargo.
  
• Technical documentation: Must include the correct shipping name, UN number, class, packing group, and other specifications.
  
• Transport Emergency Card (TREM Card): Provides guidance in case of an emergency during transit, including actions to be taken by the driver or crew.
  
• Air Waybill (AWB): Required for air shipments, it serves as the shipment’s tracking document.
  

Failure to provide any of these documents or supplying incorrect information can lead to delays, fines, or the refusal of the shipment by carriers or customs.

Tips to Ensure Safe Shipping of Dangerous Goods

Shipping dangerous goods involves more than just compliance; it requires foresight and operational discipline. Here are several practical steps to ensure smooth and safe DG transport.

Follow Regulations Thoroughly: Always refer to the most updated versions of IATA DGR, IMDG Code, or applicable regional rules. This will help you avoid compliance errors and ensure safe handling.

Classify Shipments Accurately: Misclassification can lead to dangerous accidents. Each substance must be identified by its chemical name, UN number, and hazard classification before shipment.

Use the Correct Packaging: Never underestimate the importance of certified packaging. The packaging must be suited to the nature of the material and strong enough to endure the mode of transport chosen.

Ensure Proper Labeling and Documentation: All DG packages must have the correct hazard labels, handling instructions, and accompanying documents.