Dangerous Goods (DG)

Dangerous goods are articles or substances which are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or which are classified according to those Regulations. These materials require special handling, packaging, labeling, and documentation procedures for air transport according to IATA DGR standards. IATA regulations define 9 classes of dangerous goods: explosives (1), gases (2), flammable liquids (3), flammable solids (4), oxidizers and peroxides (5), toxic and infectious substances (6), radioactive materials (7), corrosive substances (8), and miscellaneous (9, including lithium batteries). Personnel must hold valid training certificates renewed every 2 years to prepare, process, or accept dangerous goods shipments.

A FedEx Express shipment AWB 023-12345678 contains lithium batteries classified as UN3480 Class 9 dangerous goods, requiring special packaging and CAO (Cargo Aircraft Only) restrictions. An Emirates SkyCargo flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA) carries perfume classified as Class 3 flammable liquid under AWB 176-87654321, packed according to IATA Packing Instruction 353.

• DG cargo
• hazmat
• hazardous materials
• hazardous cargo
• IATA DGR
• restricted articles
• dangerous articles

How often must dangerous goods training certificates be renewed?

Training certificates must be renewed every 2 years (24 months). If your certificate is older than 2 years, you must complete initial training rather than recurrent training. An IATA Certificate of Completion requires a grade of 80% or higher, with special distinction awarded for 90% or above.

What documentation is required for dangerous goods shipments?

Each hazardous material shipment must be accompanied by a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods and Air Waybill document. When filling out the Dangerous Goods Declaration, the format, language, color, and size of the document are all very specific and must be adhered to. Materials are assigned a UN number and proper shipping name based on classification and composition.