Dangerous Goods Shipping: IMDG Code & What You Need to Know

What Are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods (DG) — also called hazardous materials (hazmat) — are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. This includes obvious items like explosives and flammable liquids, but also everyday products like lithium batteries, aerosols, paints, and cleaning chemicals.

International Regulations

IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code): Published by IMO, governs sea freight. Updated every two years.

IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations): Published by IATA, governs air freight. Updated annually.

ADR/RID/ADN: European regulations for road, rail, and inland waterway transport.

The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods

• Class 1 — Explosives
• Class 2 — Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
• Class 3 — Flammable Liquids
• Class 4 — Flammable Solids / Spontaneously Combustible / Dangerous when Wet
• Class 5 — Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
• Class 6 — Toxic and Infectious Substances
• Class 7 — Radioactive Materials
• Class 8 — Corrosive Substances
• Class 9 — Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances (including lithium batteries)

Key Documentation for DG Shipments

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): Must be completed and signed by the shipper, declaring the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, and packaging.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS): Required for all chemical substances. Must accompany the shipment.

Certificate of compliance: Some goods require independent certification of packaging compliance.

Packaging Requirements

DG must be packed in UN-approved packaging — containers that have been tested and certified to withstand transport conditions. Packaging must display the UN mark, packing group, and test standard. Using non-certified packaging is illegal and dangerous.

Lithium Batteries — A Special Case

Lithium batteries (Class 9) are in almost every electronic device. The rules are complex: batteries shipped alone, inside equipment, or packed with equipment have different rules. Many airlines restrict or ban certain lithium battery configurations. Always check the latest IATA DGR Section II for batteries before shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions