What Are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods are substances or items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported by air. The international air shipping of hazardous materials requires strict compliance with IATA and EASA regulations to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo.
Challenges in Dangerous Goods Shipping
Transporting dangerous goods by air can be complex due to stringent regulatory requirements and specialized handling procedures. Airlines must comply with international regulations such as IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and ICAO Technical Instructions, ensuring the safe transport of hazardous materials. Proper classification, labeling, and packaging are essential to prevent risks during transit. Additionally, carriers must provide specialized training to personnel, maintain secure storage facilities, and coordinate closely with authorities for necessary permits. Weather conditions, aircraft capacity, and emergency response planning further add to the challenges. Despite these obstacles, air transport remains the fastest and most secure method for shipping hazardous materials, especially for industries requiring urgent deliveries, such as healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.
Do You Know What You Are Shipping?
Many everyday items qualify as dangerous goods, including:
Lithium Batteries (used in electronics, medical devices, and electric vehicles)
Radioactive Goods (medical isotopes, industrial materials)
Ammunition & Firearms (requires special handling and permits)
Flammable Liquids (fuels, paints, solvents)
Compressed Gases (aerosols, refrigerants, fire extinguishers)
Corrosive Substances (acids, alkaline solutions, batteries)
Packaging & Labeling for Dangerous Goods Air Freight
The safe transport of hazardous materials depends on the correct packaging and labeling. Different goods require specific packaging solutions to prevent leaks, explosions, or contamination due to altitude and pressure changes. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) mandate the use of UN-certified packaging, which must meet strict testing standards for durability, pressure resistance, and impact protection. Inner and outer packaging combinations are often required to provide additional security.
Labeling is equally critical—each shipment must display the correct hazard labels, handling instructions, and UN identification numbers to ensure proper handling by airline personnel and regulatory authorities. Documentation, including the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), must accompany shipments to confirm compliance with legal requirements.
Failure to follow packaging and labeling guidelines can result in shipment delays, fines, or safety risks. Therefore, working with experienced freight partners who understand the complexities of dangerous goods shipping is essential to ensuring smooth and compliant air transport.
Declaring Your Dangerous Goods
When shipping hazardous materials by air, proper declaration is essential to ensure compliance with international safety regulations. All dangerous goods must be accurately classified, documented, and labeled according to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Shippers are required to complete a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), detailing the nature, quantity, and packaging of the items. Additionally, the Air Waybill (AWB) must indicate the presence of dangerous goods. Failure to declare hazardous materials can lead to severe legal penalties, shipment delays, and safety risks for airline personnel. To avoid complications, businesses should work with certified logistics providers experienced in handling dangerous goods air freight.
Shipping Lithium Batteries & Other Hazardous Items
Lithium and sodium-ion batteries are among the most commonly transported dangerous goods. Their air freight compliance depends on their watt-hour rating (for rechargeable batteries) or lithium content (for non-rechargeable batteries).
To check the latest guidance on lithium battery transport, read the IATA Battery Guidance Document 2025 (PDF).
Stay Up to Date with Dangerous Goods Regulations
Regulations for air freight of dangerous goods frequently change to reflect new safety standards. Our team at Stellavia stays updated with the latest IATA and ADR guidelines to provide shippers with the most current information and best practices for hazardous goods transportation.
For more information on IATA regulations, please visit the IATA website or contact your local account executive or customer service representative.
Why Choose Stellavia Airlines for Dangerous Goods Shipping?
Compliance with international air shipping regulations
Expert handling and secure packaging solutions
Seamless coordination with international carriers
Specialized shipping for radioactive goods, ammunition, and more
Need assistance with hazardous goods shipping? Contact Stellavia Airlines today for safe and secure transportation of your dangerous goods!
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