Dangerous Goods GuidelinesUpdated 2 months ago
What are Dangerous Goods?In the shipping world, dangerous goods can be anything that, if not properly handled, could harm you, the handlers, receiver, other shipments or the environment. Read on to find out what qualifies as dangerous goods or which identification and classification applies to your shipment. Alternatively, you can always reach out to at [email protected] for further clarifications. |
Why are they "dangerous"?Many goods that we use on a regular basis pose danger to aircraft and handlers. For example, lithium ion batteries are the most common dangerous goods sent by air, and specific labeling procedures are required to ensure a safe shipment. Airlines may also face problems with fires caused on board due to lithium ion batteries. |
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9 classes of Dangerous Goods |
Explosive materials
(Class 1)
Class 1 items are not usually shipped by air and are divided into six subdivisions. They cover substances that have an explosion hazard, explosions that may project fragments and firebrands, and fire hazards.
Gases
(Class 2)
This class is divided into three subdivisions that include flammable gases, toxic gases and gases that are neither flammable or toxic such as helium and oxygen.
Flammable Liquids
(Class 3)
Class 3 comprises liquids or mixtures of liquids that will give off flammable vapors at specific temperatures and have a flash point of not more than 60.5 degrees Celsius / 140.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flammable Solids
(Class 4)
Flammable Solids are materials which, under conditions encountered in transport, are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction, self-reactive substances which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction or solid desensitized explosives.
Oxidising Substances and Organic Pesticides
(Class 5)
This class is divided into three subdivisions that include flammable gases, toxic gases and gases that are neither flammable or toxic such as helium and oxygen.
Toxic & Infectious Substances
(Class 6)
Toxic substances are those which are liable either to cause death or serious injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact. Infectious substances are those which are known or can be reasonably expected to contain pathogens.
Radioactive Materials
(Class 7)
Class 7 covers materials that have a specific activity greater than 70 kilobecquerels per kilogram.
Corrosive Materials
(Class 8)
Class 8 does not have any subdivisions and comprises corrosive liquids and solids that will cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue; or, in the case of leakage, will materially damage or even destroy other goods or the aircraft itself. Corrosive items include battery acids, sulfuric acid and mercury.
Miscellaneous
(Class 9)
Class 9 is for miscellaneous dangerous items. The class does not have any subdivisions but comprises any substance that may pose a danger during air transport that isn't covered by the other classes. This includes items with anesthetic properties, solid dry ice, asbestos, life rafts and chain saws.
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What do I need to know?
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What do I need to do? |
1. Identifying the items
Keep in mind that there are many items that may be difficult to classify as "Dangerous", as they may not be dangerous by themselves, but contain a dangerous component.
Common categories include aerosol
sprays, cologne, dry ice, fireworks, lighters, lithium batteries, matches, nail polish, nail polish remover, paint, perfume, solvents, some chemicals, and more.
If unsure, please refer to the manufacturer's material safety data sheet (MSDS).
2. Packaging, marking and documentation
As the shipper, you are responsible for identifying, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling and completing documentation according to all national and international governmental regulations.
Failure to provide accurate declaration may create dangerous conditions on the aircraft and result in the shipper being subject to governmental fines and penalties under applicable laws.
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What can I ship without a DG declaration? |
| Food | Honey, Sauces, Cooking Paste, Jam, Syrup, Dry Food |
| Beverages | Water and other non-alcoholic drinks |
| Supplements | Pills, powder, liquid health supplements |
Cosmetics/ Toiletries | Moisturizer, Face Mask, Shampoo, Conditioner, Sunscreen, Toothpaste, Body Wash |
| Household Products | Dish Washer Detergent, Laundry Detergent |
| Electronics | Electrical items without lithium batteries Note: Alkaline batteries must be shipped on its own (detached from equipment) |
| Toys | Plastic, rubber, wooden toys without batteries |
| Non-infectious medical samples | Non-infectious blood, tissue, biological samples |
| General Cargo | Other types of cargo that do not fall under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations |
What needs a DG declaration? |
| Beverages | Alcoholic Beverage |
| Toiletries | Perfumes, colognes, Nail polish, Nail polish remover |
| Aerosols | Shaving foam, Hair sprays, Deodorant spray, Pepper spray, WD-40 |
Household Products | Bleach, Paint, Motor Oil, Thinner |
| Lithium Batteries | Laptops, Tablets, Mobile Phones, Power Tools, e-cigarettes |
| Others | Self Heating Meals, Mercury Thermometer, Dry Ice |
| Dangerous Goods | Cargo that falls under Dangerous Goods as stipulated in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations |