Transporting dangerous goods requires precise classification, appropriate packaging, labelling and documentation – every detail matters for safe and compliant transport.
From the UN number and packaging to the selected carrier and route, dangerous goods must be fully coordinated before transport begins.
What are dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods ( dangerous goods or DG) are substances, mixtures or articles that, because of their chemical, physical or biological properties, may pose a risk to people, property or the environment during transport. Special classification, packaging, labelling, documentation and handling requirements apply.
Requirements depend on the mode of transport: the IMDG Code applies to sea transport, ADR to road transport and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) to air transport. Dangerous goods are divided into nine main classes according to the hazard they present.
How are dangerous goods transported?
The process starts with cargo identification and classification. The exact product composition or specification, UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group where applicable, quantity and packaging type must be known.
Using this information, we verify whether the cargo can be transported on the selected route and by the chosen mode, what packaging and labelling are required, which documents must be provided and whether segregation or quantity restrictions apply.
Only after these requirements have been confirmed is space booked with the carrier and the full transport process arranged.
| Etapas | Veiksmai |
|---|---|
| 1. Identifikavimas | Product composition, SDS and other technical data are checked |
| 2. Klasifikavimas | UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group where applicable |
| 3. Packaging and labelling | Appropriate packaging, hazard labels, UN markings and any additional marks required by the regulations |
| 4. Documentation and booking | The required information and documents are submitted to the carrier and cargo acceptance is confirmed |
| 5. Loading and transport | Segregation, securing, vehicle and other cargo-specific requirements are followed |
| 6. Delivery | The cargo is delivered to the consignee while maintaining the required documentation and safety controls throughout the transport chain |
What can be shipped?
Dangerous goods are divided into nine main classes. Acceptance, packaging and transport conditions for each class are assessed according to the specific UN number, quantity, packaging, route and selected carrier:
Class 1 – Explosives
Fireworks, signalling devices and other articles presenting an explosive hazard. Extremely strict acceptance and routing requirements apply.
Class 2 – Gases
Aerosols, compressed or liquefied gases, oxygen or propane cylinders. Requirements depend on the properties of the gas and the packaging.
Class 3 – Flammable liquids
Paints, solvents, certain fuels and perfumes. Flash point, packaging and correct labelling are important.
Class 4 – Flammable solids
Flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion, or substances that emit flammable gases on contact with water. This class is divided into separate divisions.
Class 5 – Oxidising substances
Oxidisers and organic peroxides that may intensify combustion or be thermally unstable.
Class 6 – Toxic and infectious substances
Toxic chemicals, certain pesticides, infectious substances and laboratory samples.
Class 7 – Radioactive material
Radioactive materials for medical, scientific or industrial use. They may only be transported in accordance with specialised requirements and permits.
Class 8 – Corrosive substances
Acids, alkalis and other corrosive substances capable of damaging tissue or metals. Correct packaging and segregation are especially important.
Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
Lithium batteries, dry ice and other articles or substances subject to special transport requirements.
What should you consider?
Dangerous goods must be identified in accordance with the applicable transport regulations. The UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, subsidiary risk and packing group, where applicable, are assessed. A commercial product name alone is not sufficient – accurate product information is required before booking.
Packaging, marks and hazard labels are selected according to the specific cargo classification, quantity and mode of transport. UN-specification packaging is used where required by the regulations. Incorrect packaging or labelling may result in the cargo being rejected by the terminal or carrier.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often an important source of information for classification and carrier checks, but it is not always the transport document itself. Depending on the mode of transport, a dangerous goods declaration, transport document, special instructions and other information requested by the operator may be required.
Certain classes or substances must not be loaded next to one another because they may react dangerously. Segregation, stowage and quantity requirements for the entire route are therefore checked before consolidation or container loading.
Not every carrier, shipping line, airline, terminal or port accepts every dangerous-goods class or UN number. Acceptance may also depend on quantity, packaging, vessel, transit ports and local rules, so dangerous goods should be coordinated before transport is finally booked.
