In 2014, a South Korean shipper incurred a $72,000 fine for non-compliant packaging and labeling on a shipment of paints and solvents. Around the same time, an Ohio-based distribution company failed to appropriately label packages and complete shipping paperwork for an air shipment of corrosive wood cleaner and paid $63,000 for its negligence.

Shipping dangerous goods is a complex and highly regulated process, and it can be difficult, for a variety of reasons, to get compliance buy-in from everyone in your company involved with the shipping process. However, as many businesses have discovered, non-compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and DOT regulations is expensive.

Dangerous Goods Definition

Dangerous goods are substances and articles that have explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious, or corrosive properties. They pose a risk to public safety, property, or the environment. Dangerous goods might be solid, liquid, or gaseous. They can be colorless or colored, hot or cold, odorless or pungent, and so forth. Corrosive chemicals, explosives, batteries, and even everyday goods like hair spray, perfume, aftershave, liquor, and cigarette lighters are examples.

Dangerous Goods: Classified

Both the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the international regulatory agencies recognize nine classes of dangerous goods:

Many of these classes are divided into sub-classifications according to various properties such as temperature sensitivity (also known as flashpoint), toxicity, and flammability.

Dangerous Goods: Packaged and Labelled

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for exporters: Every class of materials has both national and international packing and marking/placarding specifications. The CFR49 requires that every employee involved in dangerous goods packaging and shipping receive hazmat training in handling, packing, labeling, and documenting dangerous goods for transport. (Failure to train employees is itself considered a violation of regulations.)

Three packing groups are corresponding to the level of danger involved:

• Packing Group I (indicated by the letter “X” in shipping codes)—Great Danger
• Packing Group II (indicated by a “Y”)—Medium Danger
• Packing Group III (indicated by a “Z”)—Minor Danger

Each of the packing groups provides specifications for unit size, quantitative limits, packaging closure instructions, acceptable packaging materials, single or combination packaging limitations, and more.

Once proper packaging is complete, the package must be labeled and placarded appropriately. Each dangerous goods class has designated signage including, among other things, color-coding, warning placards, and directional indicators.

Dangerous Goods: Documentation Guidance

Documents for dangerous goods vary depending on the mode of transit, but typically contain the following valuable data:

• Hazard class, UN number, and PSN
• Name and address of exporter and importer
• Weight and quantity of goods
• Number and type of packaging (cartons, drums, containers)

Additional information that might be required includes identification of:

• Molten/elevated temperature substances
• Temperature-controlled substances
• Radioactive material
• Infectious substances
• Wastes

Responsibilities Of shipper:

The shipper must:

• Classify and declare (dangerous goods declaration) the goods in compliance with the IMDG Code.
• Label the items/packages with the proper shipping name, UN number, hazard labels, and, when appropriate, a marine pollutant label.
• Certify that the goods are correctly packaged and labeled and that the goods are suitable for transportation by sea.
• Ensure that incompatible goods are not stowed in the same transport unit.
• Issue a stowage certificate when stowing in a container or hold.

The shipper must also ensure that the packaging:

• is sturdily made and is in good condition.
• is designed so any internal surfaces the contents may come into contact with are not dangerously affected by the substance being transported.
• can withstand the normal risks that are involved in handling and transportation by sea.
• as a minimum, complies with the stipulations of the IMDG code.

Responsibilities of Carrier:

The carrier must:

• Ensure that the crew has received the necessary training
• Undertake separation of goods in compliance with the IMDG code
• Prepare a list of the dangerous goods on board and their location on the ship
• Ensure that the necessary emergency equipment is on board

Stay Secure With TNS

Transporting hazardous cargo is a huge responsibility for shippers and carriers. Many people’s lives are actually in your hands. Working with a logistics company that specializes in hazardous cargo, such as TNS, makes the process much smoother.