Dangerous Goods Declaration

A Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is a mandatory shipping document that certifies dangerous goods have been classified, packaged, marked, labeled, and declared in compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The DGD provides critical information to aircraft operators and carriers in a standardized format throughout the air transportation industry. Section 8 of the IATA DGR requires a Shipper's Declaration to be completed by the shipper for each consignment of dangerous goods. The declaration must be signed by someone who has completed appropriate dangerous goods training in accordance with IATA and U.S. DOT regulations, with training updated every two years.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment of lithium batteries on AWB 020-12345678 requires a DGD showing UN3480, Lithium ion batteries, Class 9, II, with packing instruction 965. An Emirates SkyCargo consignment of flammable paint on AWB 176-87654321 needs a DGD declaring UN1263, Paint, Class 3, II, with the required certification statement signed by trained personnel.

• DGD
• shipper's declaration
• Shippers Declaration for Dangerous Goods

What training is required to sign a Dangerous Goods Declaration?

The person signing a DGD must have completed dangerous goods training in accordance with IATA and U.S. DOT regulations, with training updated every two years under DOT requirements. IATA DGR training is required to meet Federal and International requirements for completing a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods.

How many original copies of the Dangerous Goods Declaration are required for air shipments?

UPS requires three original Shipper's Declarations on each hazardous materials package, or for multi-piece shipments, three original Shipper's Declarations on the lead package. The IATA checklist requires two copies in English and in the IATA format including the air certification statement, though this may be indicated as not applicable only when the Shipper's Declaration data is submitted electronically.