What qualifies as dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods, also called hazardous materials, are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported. In air cargo, these are regulated by the International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Regulations, known as IATA DGR.
Many common products qualify as dangerous goods including lithium batteries in electronics, perfumes and aerosols containing flammable substances, paint and adhesives with volatile compounds, cleaning chemicals, and certain medical supplies.
The nine IATA hazard classes
Class 1 covers explosives. Class 2 covers gases including flammable, non-flammable, and toxic. Class 3 covers flammable liquids. Class 4 covers flammable solids. Class 5 covers oxidizing substances and organic peroxides. Class 6 covers toxic and infectious substances. Class 7 covers radioactive material. Class 8 covers corrosives. Class 9 covers miscellaneous dangerous goods including lithium batteries, dry ice, and magnetized materials.
Each class has specific packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements that must be met before the goods can be accepted for air transport.
Packaging requirements
Dangerous goods must be packaged in UN-specification packaging that has been tested and certified for the specific hazard class. Inner packaging must prevent leakage or breakage. Outer packaging must withstand the conditions of air transport including pressure changes, vibration, and handling. Absorbent material must be included for liquid dangerous goods.
Documentation
A Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is the primary document required. This form must be completed accurately by the shipper or a trained agent and must include the proper shipping name, UN number, hazard class, packing group, quantity, and emergency response information. Errors on this form can result in rejection by the airline, shipment delays, and regulatory penalties.
Lithium battery regulations
Lithium batteries are the most commonly shipped dangerous good in air cargo and have increasingly strict regulations. Lithium ion batteries larger than 100 watt-hours and lithium metal batteries larger than 2 grams require full dangerous goods documentation and packaging. Devices containing lithium batteries have specific requirements for state of charge, short circuit protection, and packaging.
Penalties for non-compliance
Shipping undeclared or improperly declared dangerous goods by air is a serious violation. Airlines can refuse shipments and ban shippers. Regulatory authorities can impose fines of up to $500,000 per violation. Criminal penalties including imprisonment apply for willful violations.
ASR dangerous goods expertise
Our air freight team is trained in IATA DGR regulations and can advise on classification, packaging, and documentation for your hazardous shipments. Contact us at shipping@asrwe.com or +1 786 373 3003.
