DGR Class 1 — Explosives

DGR Class 1 is a restricted classification of dangerous goods comprising explosive substances and articles that are divided into six divisions (1.1 through 1.6) based on their explosive characteristics and hazard levels. Only those explosive substances and articles listed in the IATA Dangerous Goods List (Table 4.2) may be accepted for air transport. Division 1.4S explosives are the only Class 1 materials permitted on passenger aircraft, while only Division 1.3 compatibility groups C and G are permitted on cargo-only aircraft. Each explosive must be assigned to one of six divisions and to one of thirteen compatibility groups that identify the kinds of explosive substances and articles deemed compatible.

An Emirates SkyCargo shipment with AWB number 176-98765432 transports signal cartridges classified as Division 1.4S from Dubai International (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR) on a passenger aircraft. A FedEx Express cargo flight carries AWB number 023-55667788 containing fireworks classified as Division 1.3C from Memphis (MEM) to Frankfurt (FRA) as cargo-only freight requiring specialized explosive handling procedures.

• Class 1
• explosives cargo
• Division 1.1
• Division 1.2
• Division 1.3
• REX
• RGX

What are the six divisions of DGR Class 1 explosives and their hazard characteristics?

Division 1.1 has mass explosion hazard, Division 1.2 has projection hazard but not mass explosion, Division 1.3 has fire hazard with minor blast/projection but not mass explosion, Division 1.4 presents no significant hazard, Division 1.5 consists of very insensitive substances with mass explosion hazard, and Division 1.6 contains extremely insensitive articles without mass explosion hazard.

Which DGR Class 1 explosives can be transported on passenger aircraft versus cargo-only flights?

Only explosives in Division 1.4, compatibility group S are permitted on passenger aircraft. Only explosives in Division 1.3, compatibility groups C and G are permitted on cargo aircraft only (CAO), while Division 1.4 compatibility groups B, C, D, E, G, and S are also permitted on CAO flights. Divisions 1.1 and 1.2 are prohibited on passenger flights and severely restricted on cargo flights.