Transporting dangerous goods across borders is a detailed job. Even a minor mistake can lead to serious safety issues. Every shipment must follow strict international rules to protect people, the environment, and cargo. These goods are grouped into classes based on the type of hazard they pose, such as flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic. Knowing these classes beforehand helps businesses choose the right packaging, labelling, handling, and transport method.
What are dangerous goods?
In a shipping business, dangerous goods are those that pose a risk to crew members’ health, property, and the environment. These goods usually include explosives, flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, compressed gases, corrosives, and radioactive materials. Sometimes, items like paints, fireworks, or gas lighters can also qualify as dangerous goods.
In India, the carriage of dangerous goods is governed by the SOLAS Convention, the IMDG Code, and the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargo) Rules, 1995.
Importance of proper classification and handling
Here are some common reasons why the proper classification and handling of hazardous goods shipping are important:
- Crew safety: Proper classification helps the crew understand the specific risks associated with each cargo type. It helps them in using the right procedures, equipment, and protective measures.
- Fire prevention: If there is correct labelling and segregation, it will reduce the risk of fires caused by incompatible materials.
- Spill control: If the crew members have detailed identification, they can manage leaks using suitable absorbents and containment tools.
- Environmental protection: Correct identification helps the ship follow safe loading and discharge procedures, reducing the risk of marine pollution.
- Port handling: Ports rely on accurate cargo information to arrange safe storage areas, priority movement, and specialist labour. Wrong classification interrupts operations, delays clearance, and increases the risk of accidents on port premises.
Classes of dangerous goods explained
Dangerous goods are categorised into the following nine classes:
Class 1
Class 1 covers explosives, including substances and articles that can rapidly release gas and heat, causing sudden pressure effects. They range from fireworks and ammunition to blasting agents used in mining. The classification covers six divisions, from mass explosion hazards to extremely insensitive articles.
Class 2
This class covers compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases that pose risks due to pressure, flammability, or toxicity. Some common examples include oxygen cylinders, propane, and chlorine. Their subdivisions classify gases as flammable, non-flammable but pressurised, or toxic.
Class 3
This class covers flammable liquids that ignite easily when exposed to heat or sparks. Petrol, ethanol, and paints are some common examples.
Class 4
This class covers flammable solids that are vulnerable to ignition through friction, moisture, or spontaneous heating. Some of the common examples include sulphur, magnesium, and certain metal powders are common examples. Their subclasses distinguish between readily combustible solids, self-reactive substances, and those that emit flammable gases when wet.
Class 5
Class 5 covers oxidising substances and organic peroxides that can intensify combustion by releasing oxygen or decomposing violently. Examples include ammonium nitrate fertilisers and hydrogen peroxide. They may not burn themselves, but they can ignite other materials more fiercely.
Class 6
Class 6 covers toxic and infectious substances that pose risks to human health through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Some common examples include cyanide compounds and medical waste containing pathogens. The subclasses separate chemical poisons from infectious agents.
Class 7
Class 7 covers radioactive materials that emit ionising radiation that can damage living tissue and contaminate environments. Examples include uranium, medical isotopes, and nuclear fuel.
Class 8
Class 8 covers corrosive substances that chemically attack living tissue or materials. Examples include hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and battery fluid. They can destroy containers, damage cargo, and cause severe burns.
Class 9
Class 9 covers substances that present hazards not included elsewhere. Examples include lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous chemicals, and dry ice.
Packaging and labelling requirements
Dangerous goods must be packaged and labelled in strict compliance with international standards such as ADR 2025, IATA DGR 66th Edition, and IMDG Code 2025. Packages must use approved materials and follow specific instructions to prevent leaks, contamination, or reactions. Labelling requires the UN number, the proper shipping name, hazard class labels, and handling marks, such as orientation arrows and limited quantity marks. Labels must be durable, clearly visible, and resistant to weathering.
Documentation needed for shipping dangerous goods
Here is the list of documents required to ship dangerous goods like a shipping chemicals legally:
- Air Waybill (AWB) that indicates ‘Dangerous Goods as per attached Shipper’s Declaration’ or ‘Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities.’
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that provides chemical, handling, and emergency information for the goods.
- Acceptance checklist. It is used by airlines to verify compliance before loading non-radioactive materials, radioactive materials, dry ice, etc.
- Packaging & labelling certificates
- Import and export permits & licenses
- Shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods
Safety regulations and international standards
The shipping of dangerous goods is governed globally by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which was most recently updated through Amendment 42-24, effective voluntarily from January 2025 and mandatory from January 2026. This code aligns with the UN Model Regulations Rev. 24 (2025) that standardises the classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation of hazardous materials, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and recycled packaging materials.
In India, the Directorate General of Shipping mandates the IMDG Code to ensure safe handling at Indian ports. The IMDG Code calls for clear communication about hazards, proper separation of incompatible goods, and the use of approved containers to avoid accidents.
Common mistakes to avoid when shipping dangerous goods
When shipping hazardous materials, the following blunders should be avoided at all costs:
- Poor packaging: If the goods are packed in weak or unsuitable containers that are not designed for their chemical nature, they can break, react with the container, spill, and create handling risks during transport.
- Missing labels: If the concerned team fails to place hazard labels due to rushed work, it can confuse handlers and slow emergency response.
- Wrong segregation: Avoid storing certain chemicals together to prevent them from reacting dangerously. For example, placing incompatible goods side by side can cause heat, fire, gas release, or chemical contamination during movement.
- Weak inspections: Some shippers skip routine checks on packaging, valves, temperature control, or container seals. Without inspections, hidden faults remain unnoticed and can cause leakage, pressure build-up, or damage mid-journey.
- Overfilled containers: Avoid filling drums or cylinders beyond allowed limits, as this leaves no space for gas expansion or pressure changes.
Role of training and certification in handling dangerous goods
Training and certification help ensure that people handling dangerous goods know what they are doing. Proper training teaches workers how to identify hazards, use correct packaging, apply labels, and follow safety rules.
Certification proves they have the skills to handle these materials safely. This reduces mistakes, prevents accidents, and keeps the shipment, workers, and environment safe.
Insurance for shipping dangerous goods
Insurance for shipping dangerous goods protects against losses that may occur during the transport of hazardous materials such as chemicals, gases, or flammable materials. Since these goods carry higher risks, insurers provide specialised cover that includes damage to the cargo, harm caused to third parties, clean-up costs, and expenses arising from accidents or leaks. This marine insurance also supports businesses in meeting legal and safety requirements set by global transport authorities.
How to choose the right shipping and insurance partner
Here is how you can decide on the best shipping and insurance partner:
Shipping partner:
- Service scope: Check if the partner covers your required routes, product categories, shipment sizes, and delivery timelines. A suitable partner should support your present needs and future expansion without forcing operational adjustments.
- Pricing clarity: Select a partner that offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. When you have clear rate cards, fuel surcharge details, and weight or volume rules in place beforehand, you can plan expenses accurately and avoid billing surprises after dispatch.
- Tech integration: Check if the partner allows easy integration with your order systems. If the partner provides smooth APIs, automated labels, and bulk shipment processing, it can help minimise manual work and ensure faster, error-free despatch for both small and large batches.
Insurance partner:
- Claim expertise: Check how the insurer handles maritime claims. A skilled team can assess damage quickly, coordinate surveys, and settle losses with fewer disputes.
- Custom pricing: Look for flexible pricing models. A good partner adjusts premiums based on shipment frequency, cargo sensitivity, and seasonal risks, ensuring you pay only for the risk your business actually carries.
- Global support: Shipping involves international routes, so choose an insurer that has offices across the globe or international partners. Their worldwide network helps you access surveyors, legal aid, and emergency support in foreign ports without delays.
Note: This is an indicative list. Please read the policy wordings for the complete list of inclusions/exclusions.
Conclusion
Safe transport of dangerous goods depends on accurate classification, certified packaging, clear labels, and trained staff at every stage. International rules provide a strong framework, but careful handling and regular checks make the biggest difference. When businesses follow proper procedures and also invest in single transit insurance, they protect people, property, and the environment. With rising global trade, strong compliance and awareness help ensure dangerous goods move safely without disrupting supply chains.
FAQs
1. What is segregation in dangerous goods shipping?
Segregation means keeping incompatible goods apart to avoid dangerous reactions. Since there are certain chemicals that must not be placed together to prevent fire, explosion, or toxic gas risks.
2. Why are safety labels important for dangerous goods?
Labels alert handlers about the type of hazard and guide emergency responders during accidents.
3. Can dangerous goods be shipped internationally?
Yes, but they must follow international codes, such as the IMDG Code for sea transport and IATA regulations for air transport.
4. How many classes of dangerous goods are there?
There are nine classes of dangerous goods, ranging from explosives and gases to flammable liquids, corrosives, and miscellaneous hazardous items.
5. Why is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) required?
An SDS provides detailed information on hazards, handling, storage, and emergency actions for each hazardous item.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.