When it comes to shipping, there are some goods that are classified as dangerous and are regulated by the government and international standards. These items are referred to as ‘dangerous goods’ as they pose a risk to health, safety, and/or the environment during shipping.

To find out the types of dangerous goods and how to best go about shipping them, read on for ISS’s complete guide to shipping dangerous goods.

Types of Dangerous Goods

The different classes of dangerous goods are as follows.

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids
• Class 5: Oxidising materials
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosives
• Class 9: Miscellaneous goods.

Some examples of dangerous goods include:

• Aerosols and sprays
• Paint and oil
• Fireworks
• Ammunition
• Pesticides
• Petrol
• Alcohol
• Lithium batteries
• Perfumes
• Adhesives and glue
• Lighter fluid, matches, and fire lighters
• Dry ice.

Shipping Dangerous Goods

If you’ve identified your shipments as dangerous goods, you need to ensure you package them sufficiently and obtain the correct documentation.

Packaging Dangerous Goods

When packaging dangerous goods, you need to consider the following requirements:

1. UN Number: This is a four digit code that classifies single substances or groups of substances.
2. PSN: This is an acronym for Proper Shipping Name. The PSN accurately describes the type of dangerous goods that are being shipped.
3. Packing Group: Packing groups are based on an item’s UN Number. They determine the degree of packing required to safely transport the cargo.

Documents for Shipping Dangerous Goods

When shipping dangerous goods, you will need the following documents for customs:

1. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): This document contains information regarding the potential hazards and how to safely handle the goods during transit.
2. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): This document states the dangerous goods category of the shipment.
3. Dangerous Goods Manifest (DGM): This document details all important information about the dangerous goods.
4. Transport Emergency Card (TREM Card): This document includes information about how to transport the dangerous goods.
5. Container Packing Certificate : This document contains the identification number of the dangerous goods and certifies that the packing of the goods is sufficient and meets all requirements.

Shipping dangerous goods requires a considerable amount of time, documentation, and preparation to get right. In order to ensure you get your dangerous goods from point A to point B successfully and safely, we recommend you get in contact with ISS. We can handle all shipping processes for you, so you can rest assured knowing your goods are being shipped safely and legally.

Call ISS today for more information!