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).
- Immediate carrier rejection — your shipment won’t fly or sail
- Heavy fines up to $50,000+ in some jurisdictions
- Criminal liability for the shipper and responsible parties
- Permanent blacklisting by carriers and freight forwarders
- Flight delays and safety investigations affecting others
We ensure your hazardous shipments are documented correctly, every time. No guesswork, no risk.
Libretto’s dangerous goods team are IATA- and IMDG-trained specialists, so industrial exporters can rely on accurate, carrier-ready declarations.
What Counts as Dangerous Goods?
Many everyday products are classified as dangerous goods and require special documentation for air and sea transport.
New to exporting? Our complete step-by-step export guide covers when dangerous goods documentation is required and how it fits into the overall export process.
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
Corrosive/Toxic Chemicals
Class 6 & 8 dangerous goods
- • Industrial cleaning products
- • Acids and bases
- • Laboratory chemicals
- • Pool chemicals
- • Agricultural pesticides
Aerosols & Gases
Pressurised containers
- • Hairsprays and deodorants
- • Spray paints
- • Air fresheners
- • Insecticides
- • Compressed gas cylinders
Magnetised 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
Understanding IATA vs. IMDG
Different transport modes have different regulatory frameworks. Understanding which applies to your shipment is critical for compliance.
IATA (Air Freight)
International Air Transport Association
More restrictive regulations due to altitude, pressure changes, and proximity to passengers.
- Stricter quantity limits
- Forbidden items on passenger aircraft
- Must use UN-approved packaging
- Lithium batteries heavily restricted
IMDG (Sea Freight)
International Maritime Dangerous Goods
More flexible regulations for containerised cargo, but with segregation requirements.
- Higher quantity limits than air
- Segregation rules for mixed containers
- Marine pollutants flagged separately
- Container Packing Certificate (CPC) required
Our Documentation Process
Our IATA- and IMDG-trained specialists follow a rigorous verification process so your DG shipments are compliant and carriers accept them first time.
SDS Review
We verify your Safety Data Sheet to confirm UN number, hazard class, packing group, and transport restrictions.
- UN number verification
- Hazard class confirmation
Classification Check
We cross-reference IATA/IMDG codes to determine correct classification, packaging specs, and any exemptions.
- Packaging verification
- Special provisions check
DGD Preparation
We create carrier-compliant Dangerous Goods Declarations for air (IATA) or sea (IMDG) freight.
- Shipper’s Declaration
- Emergency contacts included
Transparent Pricing
Standard DG Declaration
- SDS verification included
- Correct classification & UN number
- IATA or IMDG compliant DGD
- 24-hour turnaround
Lithium Battery Declaration
- Everything in Standard
- Section II declarations
- Packaging guidance
- Labelling requirements
What We Need From You
To prepare compliant DG documentation, please provide the following:
- 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
Get Started Today
Don’t risk rejection, fines, or carrier blacklisting. Our IATA- and IMDG-trained specialists prepare your dangerous goods documentation so industrial exporters can ship with confidence.
Get DG DocumentationRelated Services
HS Code Classification
Dangerous goods require precise HS code classification. The wrong code can trigger additional restrictions or import bans.
Export Permits
Some hazardous materials require MFAT export permits in addition to DG declarations. We can advise on your requirements.
Bill of Lading Coordination
DG shipments require specific BOL notations and class markings. We coordinate with your forwarder to ensure compliance.
If this is your first export shipment, our step-by-step new exporter guide covers the full documentation process including how dangerous goods requirements fit in.
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 24 hours 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 labelling requirements.
Dangerous goods declarations are one part of the documentation required for a compliant shipment. For a complete overview of all the documents involved in exporting from New Zealand, see our comprehensive guide to export documentation from New Zealand.