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Transportation of dangerous goods

30 March, 2026
Dangerous goods include any materials that pose a risk to people, property, or the environment during transport. Because of these hazards, their movement is tightly regulated to prevent incidents and uncontrolled exposure. The first and most critical step in ensuring safe transport is proper classification. International transport rules are aligned with the UN Model Regulations, which form the basis for road (ADR), sea (IMDG), and air (ICAO/IATA) requirements.

Under the UN Model Regulations, every dangerous substance is assigned to one of nine classes.

  • Explosives
    Based on standard test methods, explosives are divided into six divisions reflecting their behaviour and hazard level. Typical examples include fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials.
    1
  • Gases
    Gases may be transported as pure substances or as mixtures. They are categorised into compressed gases, liquefied gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, and aerosol dispensers. Examples include propane cylinders, nitrogen, chlorine, and helium.
    2
  • Flammable liquids
    Although Class 3 has no subdivisions, substances are assigned a packing group to indicate the degree of danger (high, medium, or low). Common examples include gasoline, alcohols, solvents, and paints.
    3
  • Flammable solids
    This class covers flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion, and substances that emit flammable gases when in contact with water.
    4
  • Oxidising substances, organic peroxides
    These goods are split into two subclasses. Oxidizing substances (5.1), which are assigned packing groups based on hazard level. Organic peroxides (5.2), which are not assigned packing groups. Examples include hydrogen peroxide, hardeners, and various chemical reagents.

    5
  • Toxic and infectious substances
    This class also has two subdivisions. Toxic substances (6.1), assigned packing groups depending on their level of danger. Infectious substances (6.2), categorised as Category A or Category B. Typical examples include pesticides, medical waste, and laboratory samples.

    6
  • Radioactive materials
    Any material containing radionuclides with activity levels exceeding predefined limits falls into this class. Class 7 has no subdivisions.
    7
  • Corrosives
    These substances cause irreversible damage to skin or severe material damage to other goods or transport equipment in the event of leakage. Corrosives can be either solid or liquid.
    8
  • Miscellaneous goods
    This class includes substances and articles presenting transport risks not covered by the other eight classes.
    9
The classification determines all downstream transport requirements: packaging, labelling, documentation, segregation, and quantity limits. These obligations also vary by mode of transport.

  • Air transport must follow ICAO Technical Instructions, reflected in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, defining responsibilities for shippers and handlers.
  • Sea transport is governed by IMO rules via the IMDG Code.
  • Road transport must comply with ADR, which requires trained ADR-certified drivers, approved vehicles, mandatory safety equipment, and dangerous goods safety management (DGSA).

Each class requires specific handling conditions, and correct classification is the foundation for moving dangerous goods safely, legally, and with minimal risk.
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