Don’t Risk Rejection at the Airport
Shipping dangerous goods without proper documentation is not just risky—it’s illegal. Airlines and shipping lines have zero tolerance for incorrect or missing Dangerous Goods Declarations (DGDs).
One mistake can result in:
- Immediate carrier rejection
- Heavy fines (up to $50,000+ in some jurisdictions)
- Criminal liability for the shipper
- Permanent blacklisting by carriers
- Flight delays and safety investigations
We ensure your hazardous shipments are documented correctly, every time.
The Risk of Incorrect DG Paperwork
Warning: Zero Tolerance Policy
Airlines and freight forwarders follow strict regulations governed by IATA (air) and IMDG (sea) codes. Even minor errors result in:
- ✗Instant rejection of your shipment at check-in
- ✗Civil penalties from aviation or maritime authorities
- ✗Carrier bans preventing future shipments
- ✗Liability for any incidents caused by improper declaration
What Counts as Dangerous Goods?
Many everyday products are classified as dangerous goods and require special documentation:
Lithium Batteries
Most restricted dangerous good by air
- • Laptops and power banks
- • E-cigarettes and vapes
- • Power tools with batteries
- • Electric vehicles/bikes
- • Standalone battery packs
Flammable Liquids
Class 3 dangerous goods
- • Perfumes and colognes
- • Nail polish and removers
- • Alcoholic beverages >24% ABV
- • Paints and solvents
- • Essential oils
Aerosols
Pressurized containers
- • Hairsprays and deodorants
- • Spray paints
- • Air fresheners
- • Insecticides
- • Compressed gas cylinders
Corrosive/Toxic Chemicals
Class 6 & 8 dangerous goods
- • Industrial cleaning products
- • Acids and bases
- • Laboratory chemicals
- • Pool chemicals
- • Agricultural pesticides
Magnetized Materials
Class 9 miscellaneous
- • Speakers and motors
- • Industrial magnets
- • Magnetic equipment
- • Medical devices with magnets
- • Compass calibration tools
Dry Ice & Refrigerants
Carbon dioxide, solid
- • Frozen food shipments
- • Medical/pharmaceutical samples
- • Temperature-controlled cargo
- • Biological specimens
- • Ice cream and perishables
Our Dangerous Goods Documentation Process
We follow a rigorous verification process to ensure your DG shipments are compliant:
Safety Data Sheet Review
We verify your SDS (Safety Data Sheet) to confirm:
- UN number and proper shipping name
- Hazard class and packing group
- Transport restrictions by air/sea
- Emergency response information
Correct Classification
We determine the precise classification and requirements:
- Verify UN number against IATA/IMDG codes
- Check for special provisions or exemptions
- Confirm packaging specifications
- Identify carrier-specific restrictions
DGD Preparation
We create carrier-compliant Dangerous Goods Declarations:
- IATA DGD for air freight (Shipper’s Declaration)
- IMDG declaration for sea freight
- Emergency contact details
- Signed declaration with liability acceptance
IATA vs. IMDG: Air vs. Sea Requirements
IATA (Air Freight)
More restrictive regulations due to altitude, pressure changes, and proximity to passengers.
- Stricter quantity limits
- Forbidden items on passenger aircraft
- Must use approved packaging
- Lithium batteries heavily restricted
- Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods required
IMDG (Sea Freight)
More flexible regulations for containerized cargo on ships, but with segregation requirements.
- Higher quantity limits than air
- Segregation rules for mixed containers
- Marine pollutants flagged separately
- Container Packing Certificate (CPC) required
- Emergency contact and response procedures
What We Need From You
To prepare compliant DG documentation, please provide:
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Current SDS from the manufacturer (must be less than 5 years old)
- Product Details: Exact product name, quantity, and packaging type
- Transport Mode: Air or sea freight (different regulations apply)
- Emergency Contact: 24-hour contact number for emergency response
- Shipper & Consignee Details: Full company names and addresses
Pricing
Transparent DG Pricing
Dangerous Goods documentation requires specialized knowledge and carries legal liability. Our pricing reflects the expertise and risk involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I ship dangerous goods without a DGD?
Shipping dangerous goods without proper documentation is illegal and can result in: immediate rejection of your shipment, fines up to $50,000+ (depending on jurisdiction), criminal prosecution for the shipper, permanent bans from carriers, and liability for any incidents during transport. Don’t risk it—get proper documentation.
Can I prepare a DGD myself?
You can, but you assume full legal liability for any errors. DGD preparation requires IATA/IMDG training and certification, and mistakes are costly. Most shippers use professionals to minimise risk and ensure carrier acceptance.
What if I don’t have an SDS for my product?
An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is required by law for all hazardous materials. Contact your manufacturer or supplier to obtain one. If your product doesn’t have an SDS, it either isn’t dangerous goods (and doesn’t need a DGD), or it’s being shipped illegally. We can help you determine which applies.
How long does DG documentation take?
Standard turnaround is 2-3 business days after we receive your SDS and product details. Expedited same-day service is available for urgent shipments (additional fee applies). Complex classifications may take longer.
Can you help with lithium battery shipments?
Yes. Lithium batteries are among the most restricted dangerous goods. We can prepare Section II declarations for batteries packed with or contained in equipment, as well as full DGDs for standalone battery shipments. We’ll also advise on packaging and labeling requirements.
Ready to Ship Your Dangerous Goods Compliantly?
Don’t Risk Rejection or Fines
Get expert DG documentation that ensures carrier acceptance and legal compliance.
Request DG Documentation
Or call us at 021 025 15316