Dangerous goods (DG) — also known as hazardous materials — require specialist handling, packaging, labelling, documentation, and carrier approval before they can be transported internationally. Non-compliance can result in cargo rejection, fines, or in serious cases, catastrophic accidents.
What Are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods covers a much wider range of products than most shippers realise: flammable liquids (paints, perfumes, alcohols), compressed gases (aerosols, fire extinguishers), oxidising agents, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, lithium batteries, corrosive substances, and explosives.
Ocean Freight: IMDG Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the mandatory international standard for dangerous goods transported by sea. It classifies dangerous goods into 9 classes and specifies packaging requirements, labelling and marking requirements, stowage and segregation requirements on vessels, and documentation requirements (the Dangerous Goods Declaration).
Air Freight: IATA DGR
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations govern dangerous goods transported by air and are stricter than IMDG. Air transport of dangerous goods is prohibited for many substances that can travel by sea, and quantity limits per package and per aircraft are more restrictive. Always confirm with the specific carrier as airlines may impose additional restrictions.
The 9 UN Dangerous Goods Classes
- Class 1: Explosives
- Class 2: Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
- Class 3: Flammable liquids
- Class 4: Flammable solids
- Class 5: Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
- Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
- Class 7: Radioactive material
- Class 8: Corrosive substances
- Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods (including lithium batteries)
Key Compliance Requirements for Shippers
- Correct UN number on packaging and documentation
- UN-approved packaging meeting the performance standards for the specific dangerous good
- Hazard labels, UN number diamond labels, and marking applied correctly
- Dangerous Goods Declaration completed accurately and signed by a trained person
CargoLinked connects you with verified dangerous goods specialist freight forwarders who hold IATA DG training certification and IMDG expertise.