Much ordinary merchandise is, for transport purposes, dangerous goods. Perfumes, paints, aerosols, batteries and cleaning products fall in this category. A refused shipment, or detention at the port, usually results from goods not having been declared as such.
The nine classes
The United Nations organises dangerous goods into nine classes, each with its own hazard label:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids and substances liable to spontaneous combustion
- Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
- Toxic and infectious substances
- Radioactive material
- Corrosive substances
- Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including lithium batteries
Each product has a four-digit UN number and an official transport name. Carriers, forwarders and authorities identify it by those two elements.
Which rules apply
- Sea: the IMDG Code of the International Maritime Organization. It is revised every two years.
- Air: the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, based on the ICAO technical instructions. It is the most restrictive and is updated every year.
- Road and rail in Europe: ADR and RID respectively.
What accompanies the cargo
- The manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS), with the 16 standard sections, stating the classification.
- The dangerous goods declaration, completed by the shipper, which the carrier or airline accepts or refuses before shipment.
- UN-approved packaging (UN marking), with the correct hazard labels and marks.
- At sea, container placarding and stowage in a location allowed by the stowage plan.
Lithium batteries
Mobile phones, laptops, tools, e-bikes and power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite. They are classified under UN numbers such as UN3480 (batteries alone) and UN3481 (batteries packed with or contained in equipment), and lithium metal ones under UN3090 and UN3091. By air the restrictions are strict: state-of-charge limits, special packaging and, in many cases, a ban on passenger flights. By sea there are specific packing and declaration rules.
How to avoid surprises
- Ask the supplier for the SDS before asking for a freight price.
- Ask the forwarder whether the carrier or airline accepts the goods on that route. Some lines do not accept certain classes.
- Expect surcharges: dangerous goods freight costs more and has longer booking lead times.
- Never omit or alter the classification. Misdeclaring is a serious offence and endangers the ship and people.