The international sale of goods continues to increase in value and in numbers, driven by the meteoric rise of e-commerce, technological innovation and rapid globalization. This growth directly affects the logistics sector at the time of shipping.
But as more customers and companies rely on large-scale and / or long-distance shipments to deliver products to new markets, the need for comprehensive administration and regulation of dangerous goods intensifies.
Dangerous Goods List
What items are classed as dangerous goods?
When shipping freight, there are certain items that are considered dangerous goods and are regulated by the government and international standards. Dangerous goods can include items such as paint, flammable liquids, poisonous gases, perfumes, batteries, explosives and even nail polish. If you plan on shipping any of these items, you will need to follow specific guidelines in order to do so safely.
Examples of dangerous goods
- aerosols and sprays
- paint and oil
- commercial explosives
- fireworks, ammunition
- pesticides
- petrol and oily rags
- alcohol
- lighter fluid, matches, paint thinner, fire lighters
- liquefied gases
- adhesives and glue
- lithium batteries (phones, laptops)
- perfumes
- flares and safety devices
- magnetized materials
- infections substances (medical samples)
- noxious or irritating substances
- radioactive materials
- petrol engines
- dry ice
- gases
- acids
- alkalis
- caustic soda
- mercury
Dangerous Goods Management
When companies ship products safely and without incident, they build reliable brands and a solid reputation. However, both employers and carriers must work together to follow all dangerous goods regulations in their deliveries; this avoids accidents, confiscation of shipments and possible fines.
Companies dealing with dangerous goods must fully understand the steps necessary for management, which implies:
- Rigorous administration
- Knowledge of the national and international transport law.
- Real-time visibility of the logistics process.
A deeper understanding of what dangerous goods management entails helps organizations in their attempt to balance the risks of doing business with the benefits of greater market agility.
From the production employee who prepares the product for shipment to the end user, excellence in the management of dangerous goods safeguards anyone who has something to do with the transfer of hazardous materials along the supply chain.
Requirements for air transport of dangerous goods
Air transport of dangerous goods is almost always multimodal. What does this mean? Well, two different means of transport are used: land and air. Thus, the requirements for transport of dangerous goods by road (ADR) and by air (ICAO Technical Instructions) must be met.
The Technical Instructions of the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, are a set of internationally agreed standards that govern the requirements for air transport of dangerous goods. The International Air Transport Association or IATA publishes the Dangerous Goods Regulations in accordance with the ICAO technical instructions.
The most restrictive requirements are those of air transport:
- Only transport in packages is allowed.
- It has major restrictions in terms of packaging.
- Maximum amounts authorized per lower package.
- The responsibility lies with both parties: shipper and operator.
Freight transport: Operators
In all merchandise transport processes, different operators act, each with their own security responsibilities.
In the case of air transport, the two most important are:
The shipper
This must fully comply with the IATA Regulations, in addition to the Regulations applicable by the States of origin, transit and destination. The IATA Regulations fully comply with the ICAO Technical Instructions.
And they must also comply with the following:
- Ensure that the transport of these items by air is not prohibited.
- Classify, pack, mark, label and document dangerous goods in accordance with the Regulations.
- Inform your employees so they can fulfill their mission correctly.
- All persons involved in the shipment of the merchandise must have the appropriate training.
The operator
You must meet the following points:
- Accept, store, load and stow dangerous goods.
- Review possible breakdowns or losses.
- Provide information.
- Make reports, notify the incidents involving dangerous goods and dangerous goods in the cargo falsely declared or undeclared, as well as those not allowed in the luggage of passengers.
- Keep documentation.
- Provide adequate training to employees related to the air transport of dangerous goods.