Dangerous goods are defined as goods which are capable of causing harm to the health and safety of their environment when shipped.
Shipping dangerous or hazardous goods by air has extra challenges. But its speed can open up exciting and profitable opportunities for businesses. You just need to ensure compliance with the necessary legislation and your goods could be hitting the skies.
But, getting your head around the necessary legislation can be a big challenge. The International Transport Association (IATA) publishes a 1000+ page book every year, explaining Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR).
For good reason though. Correct handling and care of dangerous goods is essential for ensuring everyone's safety. Being so thorough is necessary and reassuring, even if highly complex.
This article will simplify the Dangerous Goods Regulation that IATA have in place. It will cover the different classes of hazardous goods and the extra considerations that need to be taken for a shipment to flow smoothly.
For information about shipping dangerous goods at sea, read out separate article here.
Benefits of shipping dangerous goods by air
The principle benefit of sending hazardous goods by air freight is speed. Air is by far the quickest way to send any cargo. Goods which would spend weeks at sea can move to their destination in a matter of hours. This speed can open up previously unseen opportunities for businesses in a whole range of sectors.
Goods can also reach a range of inland locations which boats obviously can't get to. Of course, it is still likely road haulage will be needed to get the shipment to the final location, but planes can certainly get them closer.
You will also save on insurance costs and benefits from flexible schedules.
Dangerous Goods Regulation Classes
The classes are outlined in the graphic below.
Dangerous Goods Regulation Classes
What goods can't be shipped by air?
It's always good to check your cargo definitely can be shipped by air before getting started. Some goods are deemed too high risk to be shipped by air at all.
I'd love at this point to offer a nice simple list to quickly demonstrate whether your goods can be taken. But unfortunately it's not that simple.
You see, within each of the classes, some goods will be permitted and others won't. It depends on a whole range of factors; chemical strength, composite of the product, what logistics company or airline is moving the cargo and more.
For example, a rocket and ammunition would both fall under Class 1. But you won't be surprised to hear you can't take a rocket via air freight, but you are allowed to transport ammunition. That is a very clear example though. With many goods the lines are a lot finer. Sometimes, 1 extra cubic millilitre of harmful chemical deems it unsuitable for air freight
Furthermore, the IATA's DGR is updated annually, so the requirements on your cargo could change year-on-year.
If you're really unsure, it would be best to consult your logistics provider. These should have the latest version of the DGR (we certainly do) and will be able to answer the question for sure.
All we will say is, you would be surprised just how much can be transported. Lithium batteries for example are one of the most common goods moved in the air, but many assume they can't be taken.
DGR considerations for shipping hazardous goods
Packaging
Dangerous goods cargo requires more durable packaging than general cargo. This is crucial, as it in protects the handlers, the plane and surrounding cargo.
What these rules say for your goods could vary considerably depending on the cargo. The sort of rules the DGR can place on cargo includes, but isn't limited to:
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Material of the primary packaging.
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The need for and material of the secondary packaging.
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Security of the closures.
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Whether products need individual wrapping.
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Cushioning requirements.
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Capability of packaging to withstand pressure changes.
Often, these regulations will mean a less efficient packaging of your goods. You can't maximise the number of items like you are be able to with other items. Factoring that into your supply chain costs is essential, as the DGR is a legally binding standard.
Another key area of packaging hazardous goods is the labelling requirements. Once you have the class specified, you need to work out the correct label. IATA set the standards for labelling, and you can only do it if qualified.
Most logistics companies will take care of this for you. Or, you can get the correct label directly from IATA here.
Documentation
Sending hazardous cargo is certain to require extra documentation. How much and what documents depends on the type of product.
You will likely need a Declaration for Dangerous Goods. This document proves the goods are compliant with IATA's DGR.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is also common. This contains most of the essential hazardous information about the shipment, so it can be handled appropriately.
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The ingredients of the goods.
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Hazard assessment relating to the handling, storage and use.
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Measures need to protect workers/handlers.
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Health effects of exposure (if applicable).
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Any emergency procedures to follow.
More detail on the MSDS can be found here.
Again, the specifics of the documents needed is highly changeable depending on the products. Speak to us and we will be able to help you out with your niche.
Handling
Obviously, the safety of those handling goods on the move is paramount. So it is quite right that the DGR covers how to handle hazardous cargo safely.
This could require training and special equipment, depending on the goods being shipped.
As the shipper; by packaging, labelling and providing the correct documentation for your goods, you are going far to ensuring the handlers safety.
Radioactive material
The challenges presented by transporting radioactive material are high. Even when compared to other dangerous goods. So much so, the DGR has its own section dedicated to it.
Unfortunately, we aren't going to go through those requirements here as it is a completely different challenge. But, you can find more advice on transporting radioactive material on the UCL website here.
Extra considerations for shipping dangerous goods
DGSA
If shipping dangerous goods regularly, you will need a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).
It is the DGSA's job to watch the procedures and safety measures in place when moving hazardous goods. They also ensure compliance with the regulations, advise the business and investigate incidents.
At WTA, we have our own DGSA for our clients to utilise, included as part of the service.
ADR Accreditation
Like sea and rail, air freight will involve road haulage at some stage to get the goods to the airport and their final destination.
With dangerous goods, it is a rule to use a haulier who can provide a driver and vehicle with an ADR accreditation. The International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) accreditation sets out the regulations for moving hazardous cargo.
It basically means the vehicle has the equipment required to move the freight and that the driver is qualified to use it. It also means they are able to deal with any problems.
You can apply to get your own vehicle and drivers approved on the governments website here. Or, you need to check your chosen haulier can meet the requirements of your freight. At WTA, we use ADR accredited hauliers as standard.
Watch more information on the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation can below:
There is lots of information to take in from the DGR. We appreciate it can take time to understand everything. But that is fine! Resources such as this one are here to help you figure out the processes involved before air freight shipping.
We have experts with years of experience in Dangerous Goods Regulations. Rising to the challenge every day for our clients. Cutting out the stress and getting their cargo where it needs to be to maximise their bottom line. Speak to one of our experts today about how air cargo can open up unseen opportunities for your company.
To learn about shipping dangerous goods at sea, click the link below.
