Dangerous Goods in International Shipping

If you’re involved in importing or exporting, are you aware of what qualifies as dangerous goods in shipping? Understanding the complexities of hazardous goods logistics is crucial to avoid costly errors and delays.

Understanding Dangerous Goods in Shipping

Dangerous goods aren’t always obvious. Some everyday household items are classified as hazardous when transported internationally. The dangerous goods trade in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region presents significant business opportunities but also involves strict international shipping regulations.

Each country enforces stringent rules regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines dangerous goods under nine categories:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2.1: Flammable gases
• Class 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
• Class 2.3: Toxic gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4.1: Flammable solids
• Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
• Class 4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases when in contact with water
• Class 5.1: Oxidizing substances
• Class 5.2: Organic peroxides
• Class 6.1: Toxic substances
• Class 6.2: Infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosives
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods

If your shipment falls into one of these categories, specific packaging and handling regulations must be followed. Failure to comply can result in fines, cargo destruction, or even legal consequences.

Products Considered Dangerous Goods incase you hadn’t know

Some hazardous goods are obvious, but others may surprise you. Here are some common items classified as dangerous for shipping:

1. Smoke Detectors

Despite being safety devices, smoke detectors contain americium, a radioactive element used for smoke detection. This places them under Class 7: Radioactive Materials.

2. Perfumes, Hand Sanitizers, Alcohol Wipes

These products contain ethanol, a highly flammable substance, which classifies them under Class 3: Flammable Liquids. Specific packaging and weight limits apply when shipping these items.

3. Thermometers

Traditional thermometers containing mercury fall under Class 8: Corrosives due to mercury’s corrosive nature. Digital thermometers, often powered by lithium batteries, fall under Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

4. Hair Dyes

Yes, the color-chemical dye for creating nice hair colors. Hair dyes contain chemical compounds classified under Class 5.2: Organic Peroxides, which are thermally unstable and reactive to impact.

5. Paints

Whether it’s wall paint or nail polish, many paints contain volatile solvents such as acetone, making them Class 3: Flammable Liquids. These must be shipped in limited quantities and with proper packaging.

6. Ink Cartridges

Printing ink often includes flammable solvents, making ink cartridges and toner cartridges fall under Class 3: Flammable Liquids. Even printers containing these cartridges must be correctly labeled and packaged as dangerous goods.

7. Dried Coconut

The dried flesh inside a coconut, known as copra, is highly flammable due to its oil content. This places it under Class 4.1: Flammable Solids. However, commercially packaged coconut oil is generally not classified as hazardous, as it is securely processed and packaged.

Best Practices for Shipping Dangerous Goods

Properly identifying and packaging dangerous goods can help you avoid penalties and keep shipments safe. Here are three key steps to follow:

1. Go Through Proper Training

Anyone involved in the shipping, packing, receiving, or handling of dangerous goods should undergo appropriate training. Courses such as IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) training can help ensure compliance with global shipping laws.

2. Identify Goods Details Correctly

Check the product manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a UN number. This number helps determine the item’s proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, and additional risks.

3. Understand Packaging Requirements

Different hazardous materials have unique packaging rules, including maximum allowable quantities, specific packaging materials, and required sealing methods. Hazard class labels must also be used to mark shipments appropriately.

What to know of Dangerous Goods

While dangerous goods and their logistics comes with strict regulations, it is still constantly transporting on in the supply chain. After all, dangerous goods are also presenting business opportunities and needed for certain purposes. For example, petroleum, fireworks, batteries, chemicals, ammunition, gasoline, medical supplies and more. Understanding hazardous materials classification, ensuring compliance, and adopting best practices can at least help businesses to clarify the complexities of international shipping safely and efficiently.

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