Dangerous goods are substances or articles posing risks to health, safety, property, or the environment during transit. Globally standardized under the UN system, they’re classified into 9 classes based on their primary hazards. With over 11 million shipments annually, understanding these categories and compliance protocols is crucial for the safe shipping of dangerous goods.
Class 1: Explosives
Substances reacting violently (e.g., dynamite). Require anti-shock packaging and isolation from heat sources.
Class 2: Gases
Compressed gases (e.g., propane, aerosol cans). Cylinders must be upright and valve-protected.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids
Liquids with flashpoints ≤61°C (e.g., gasoline, acetone). Need vapor-tight containers.
Class 4: Flammable Solids
Includes spontaneously combustible (e.g., phosphorus) or water-reactive materials (e.g., sodium). Require dry, ventilated spaces.
Class 5: Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides
Oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) that intensify fires. Isolate from combustibles.
Class 6: Toxic & Infectious Substances
Poisons (e.g., pesticides) and biohazards (e.g., medical waste). Mandate sealed, leak-proof packaging.
Class 7: Radioactive Material
Items emitting ionizing radiation (e.g., uranium). Shielded containers and strict quantity limits apply.
Class 8: Corrosives
Acids/bases causing tissue or metal damage (e.g., sulfuric acid). Glass and plastic containers require impact cushioning.
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials are not covered above. Includes lithium batteries, dry ice, asbestos, and environmentally hazardous substances.
Table: Quick Reference Guide for Dangerous Goods Classes
| Class | Hazard Type | Common Examples | Key Transport Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosion | Dynamite, fireworks | No air transport |
| 2 | Gas leakage | Propane, aerosols | Upright cylinder storage |
| 3 | Fire/explosion | Gasoline, acetone | Vapor-proof containers |
| 4 | Spontaneous combustion | Sodium, phosphorus | Dry environment |
| 9 | Multiple sub-risks | Lithium batteries, dry ice | State-of-charge ≤30% for air (IATA 66th DGR) |
Air Transport
Governed by IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR 66th, effective Jan 2025).
Key updates: Lithium batteries >100Wh limited to 30% charge; new digital test summaries.
Bans explosives (Class 1) and radioactive materials (Class 7) on passenger flights.
Maritime Shipping
Follows the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).
Requires DG Declaration, container marking, and segregation by hazard type.
Ports like Tallinn prohibit Class 1 shipments entirely.
Road/Rail Transport
Uses ADR (Europe) or national frameworks (e.g., FMCSA in the US).
Focuses on load stability, driver training, and emergency kits.
Often misunderstood, class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods include:
Lithium/sodium-ion batteries (UN 3480/3090)
Dry ice (UN 1845)
Genetically modified organisms (UN 3245)
Environmentally hazardous substances (e.g., marine pollutants, UN 3077).
Critical for lithium batteries:
Air transport requires Watt-hour (Wh) ratings:
≤100Wh: Permitted in carry-on/checked bags.
100–160Wh: Airline approval needed.
Non-spillable wet batteries (e.g., lead-acid) must be ≤12V voltage and ≤100Wh.
Shipping hazmat dangerous goods demands precise paperwork:
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Must align with IATA DGR 66th Edition (2025) for air or IMDG for sea.
Transport Documents:
Air: Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods
Sea: Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form
Packaging Certificates: UN-approved containers with test reports.
Tip: Use automated platforms like DR Trans’ Document Hub to generate compliant labels and forms.
Before moving dangerous goods internationally:
Verify Classification: Confirm using SDS or lab testing (e.g., flashpoint for liquids, LC50 for toxics).
Check Bans: Some ports restrict specific classes (e.g., explosives in Tallinn).
Plan Emergencies: Equip transport units with spill kits and PPE.
Audit Partners: Ensure carriers have hazmat dangerous goods training certification.
Navigating dangerous goods transport from China involves:
Method Selection:
Sea: Cost-effective for large class 9 dangerous goods (e.g., batteries). Transit: 25–40 days.
Air: Urgent shipments (3–10 days); follows IATA DGR 66th.
Critical Steps:
Packaging: UN-certified boxes with hazard labels (e.g., "Miscellaneous" diamond for Class 9).
Isolation: Separate batteries from combustibles.
Declarations: B/L annotations and customs pre-alerts.
How DR Trans Ensures Compliance:
End-to-End Class 9 Expertise: From SDS prep to IMDG/ADR packaging.
Port Relationships: Priority berthing for DG cargo in Shanghai/Ningbo.
Real-Time Tracking: Monitoring temperature/pressure for sensitive items.
Mastering dangerous goods classes and transport rules prevents delays, fines, or incidents. With evolving regulations like IATA DGR 66th Edition and International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code updates, partnering with specialists is non-negotiable.
Whether you’re moving lithium batteries (class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods) or corrosives, DR Trans’s team streamlines your supply chain. Explore our dangerous goods solutions—where compliance meets reliability.
Got complex DG shipments? 87% of delayed cargo lacks proper SDS or labeling. Audit your process today.
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