Dangerous Goods (DG / Hazardous Materials)
Goods classified under IMDG (ocean), IATA DGR (air), or ADR (road) dangerous goods regulations requiring special packaging, documentation, and carrier approval.
In detail
Dangerous goods are regulated under international conventions by transport mode: IMDG Code (sea), IATA DGR (air), ADR (road). Classification: Class 1 (explosives), Class 2 (gases), Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 4 (flammable solids), Class 5 (oxidizers), Class 6 (toxic), Class 7 (radioactive), Class 8 (corrosive), Class 9 (miscellaneous). For importers from China, the most commonly encountered dangerous goods category is Class 9: lithium batteries (UN3480 standalone, UN3481 in equipment). Requirements: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) for all DG; DG declaration with UN number, packing group, and transport mode; specialized packaging and labeling; carrier acceptance — many shipping lines have restrictions on lithium battery quantities per vessel; some carriers refuse Class 9 DG entirely. Air freight with lithium batteries: strict Wh limits (100 Wh/cell for passenger flights, 300 Wh for cargo). Non-compliance: cargo rejection at origin, port detention, potential criminal liability in case of incident.
Examples
- →E-scooters with Li-ion batteries → Class 9, UN3481, requires DG declaration and carrier pre-approval before booking
Related terms
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment occupying an entire ocean container — 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC — booked and sealed by one shipper.
Cargo Insurance (Marine Insurance)
Insurance coverage for physical loss or damage to goods during international transportation.
AWB (Air Waybill)
The transport document for air cargo, equivalent to an ocean Bill of Lading but non-negotiable — it cannot be used as a document of title.