Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes for Safe Air Shipping
- Stella Via
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Dangerous goods are items that can harm people, property, or the environment if not handled correctly. These include things like flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, batteries, gases, and even some everyday products. In air cargo, moving dangerous goods safely is critical — and it’s not as simple as just packing and shipping.
To help keep everyone safe, the United Nations has grouped dangerous goods into 9 main classes, based on the type of hazard they present. Some of these classes are also split into smaller divisions.
Each dangerous good has a UN number and a proper shipping name, and must be packaged, labeled, and documented correctly. That’s where the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) come in — they provide detailed rules for shipping these items by air.
If you're unsure about how an item is classified, you can check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer. This document helps you identify the hazards and make sure you're following the right steps. If there's no SDS available, contact the manufacturer or a specialist to confirm the classification.
Dangerous Goods Classes
The United Nations categorizes Dangerous Goods into nine classes, ensuring risks are effectively communicated throughout the transport chain.
Class 1 – Explosives
Explosives can rapidly combust or detonate due to chemical reactions. Their handling requires strict compliance with transport regulations.
Why Are They Regulated? Explosives generate high-pressure gases, heat, light, and sound, posing significant risks.
Subcategories:
1.1 – Mass explosion hazards
1.2 – Fragment projection risk
1.3 – Fire hazards with minor explosion effects
1.4 – Low-risk, packaging-contained hazards
1.5 – Insensitive explosives with mass explosion potential
1.6 – Extremely insensitive explosives with no mass explosion risk
Common Examples: Fireworks, flares, ammunition, detonators, TNT, airbags.
Class 2 – Gases
These are substances in a gaseous state at standard temperatures, including compressed, liquefied, and refrigerated gases.
Why Are They Regulated? They can be flammable, toxic, oxidizing, or asphyxiating, posing serious transport risks.
Subcategories:
2.1 – Flammable gases
2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
2.3 – Toxic gases
Common Examples: Propane, hydrogen, oxygen, refrigerant gases.
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
Liquids that emit flammable vapors below 60-65°C.
Why Are They Regulated? They are highly volatile and can cause large-scale fires.
Common Examples: Gasoline, diesel, alcohols, acetone, varnishes, methanol.
Class 4 – Flammable Solids & Reactive Materials
These substances ignite easily, react with air, or release flammable gases upon contact with water.
Why Are They Regulated? They can spontaneously combust or cause fires through friction.
Subcategories:
4.1 – Flammable solids
4.2 – Spontaneously combustible substances
4.3 – Substances emitting flammable gases when wet
Common Examples: Matches, sodium batteries, phosphorus, nitrocellulose.
Class 5 – Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides
These substances enhance combustion or decompose explosively.
Why Are They Regulated? They can cause fires or violent reactions.
Subcategories:
5.1 – Oxidizing substances
5.2 – Organic peroxides
Common Examples: Ammonium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate.
Class 6 – Toxic & Infectious Substances
Includes chemicals harmful to human health and biological materials containing pathogens.
Why Are They Regulated? They can cause poisoning, illness, or environmental contamination.
Subcategories:
6.1 – Toxic substances
6.2 – Infectious substances
Common Examples: Pesticides, cyanides, arsenic compounds, medical waste.
Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
Materials emitting ionizing radiation.
Why Are They Regulated? Exposure can lead to severe health effects and contamination.
Common Examples: Uranium, plutonium, medical isotopes.
Class 8 – Corrosives
These substances cause severe damage upon contact.
Why Are They Regulated? They can burn skin, corrode metals, and release harmful fumes.
Common Examples: Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, bromine.
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Includes hazardous substances that don’t fit other classifications but still pose transport risks.
Why Are They Regulated? They may be environmentally hazardous, reactive, or pose unexpected dangers.
Common Examples: Dry ice, lithium batteries, magnetized materials.
Here’s a revised and easier-to-read version of your text:
Requirements for Shipping Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials
When shipping dangerous goods or hazardous materials, it’s essential for exporters, importers, and carriers to understand the necessary precautions and regulations. Complying with these requirements ensures safety, legal compliance, and smooth operations. Here’s what you need to know when shipping dangerous goods.
Dangerous Goods Packaging
Shipping dangerous goods internationally requires meeting specific packaging standards. The packaging must be tested and certified by an authorized body, such as the United Nations. Depending on the class of dangerous goods, you may need multiple layers of packaging based on factors like transport mode, quantity, and handling needs.
It’s also critical to ensure proper segregation of dangerous goods during packaging. Each substance has compatibility restrictions, which can be found in a dangerous goods compatibility chart to guide you in safely organizing your shipment.
Dangerous Goods Labeling
Proper labeling is one of the most vital parts of shipping hazardous materials. The label provides essential information for everyone handling the shipment, including warehouse staff, customs officers, and delivery personnel. It indicates the dangerous goods class, helping handlers take the proper precautions during transport.
In addition to warning labels, some hazardous materials require additional labels specifying handling instructions, weight, cautions, orientation guidelines, and more. Additionally, tamper-evident seals may be needed on some packages. The shipper’s and recipient’s details should also appear on the label in many cases.
Labels must be clearly visible and placed on the package in a prominent location. Ensure that the label’s background color contrasts sharply with the text for maximum readability, and avoid obscuring it with other markings or labels.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
When shipping dangerous goods internationally, you must formally declare them in the shipment. This declaration involves providing specific documents, such as Commercial Invoices, Cargo Reports, and an Air Waybill (for air freight). Some carriers may also require a Dangerous Goods Note, which outlines details about the materials being shipped, including their storage, handling, and customs clearance requirements.
Customs Clearance Procedures
Dangerous goods shipments must meet specific customs requirements, both for imports and exports. Before shipping, it’s important to check whether the shipment of certain dangerous goods is prohibited in the destination country. If the goods are not prohibited, confirm any restrictions that might apply based on the class of dangerous goods.
Each country has unique customs requirements that cover aspects like quantity, packaging, labeling, handling, and declarations. Some dangerous goods shipments may also require special permits for customs clearance. These permits must be obtained from the relevant authorities before the shipment can proceed.
This version breaks down the steps in a more organized, easy-to-follow manner, with headings and bullet points to highlight key information.
Safe Air Shipping of Dangerous Goods
Transporting hazardous materials by air requires strict adherence to safety regulations.
Declaration & Documentation – Shippers must correctly declare the goods and complete the Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Packaging & Labeling – Secure, durable packaging must prevent leaks, withstand pressure changes, and include clear labels.
Acceptance & Compliance Checks – Airlines verify shipments using IATA’s Dangerous Goods Checklist.
Handling & Storage – Proper segregation and secure loading prevent accidents.
Final Transport & Delivery – Only approved goods are placed in freight containers or Unit Load Devices (ULDs).
By following these steps, hazardous goods can be safely transported with minimal risk.
Stellavia: Your Trusted Partner in DG Transportation
At Stellavia, we specialize in the safe, compliant, and efficient transportation of Dangerous Goods worldwide. Our DG-certified team ensures:
Proper documentation and labeling
Secure packaging and handling
Compliance with international safety standards
Efficient and timely delivery to global destinations
Whether you're shipping hazardous chemicals, lithium batteries, or medical supplies, Stellavia provides safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant air cargo solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our Dangerous Goods air freight services!