For many companies, having to ship dangerous goods from time to time is inevitable. What is the best way to go about it? And is shipping dangerous goods even allowed in the first place? Rest assured, the answer to the latter question is yes. Shipping these goods is legal, provided that certain safety requirements are met. This article lists the most important rules to take into account.
Certified carrier required
First of all, not everyone is allowed to transport dangerous goods. Everyone involved in the shipping of these items must have successfully completed a recognised training programme. As a leading transportation and logistics company, DHL Express adheres to the following regulations:
- IATA regulations for air transport, applicable within all countries in which ICAO regulations apply and to any airline that works under the IATA regulations.
- ADR regulations for road transport, applicable within all countries that have adopted the ADR convention in their legislation. In addition, within Europe, DHL Express complies with the EC directives concerning the transport of dangerous goods. There are, for instance, specific rules for loading vehicles, such as stowage and combining cargo. Note: DHL Express may only transport goods that meet the ADR LQ conditions (goods exempt from ADR regulations).
Although everything mentioned above applies to the carrier of dangerous goods, the shipper is still responsible for the adequate preparation of the shipment and obligated to confirm if the goods will transit to destination by air or road.
Correct packaging is crucial
The risks that come with shipping dangerous increase if the goods are not correctly packed. If the goods are hidden, declared incorrectly, left completely undeclared or if they are packed or labeled incorrectly, health and (public) safety is compromised. In other words, shippers must always fully comply with all conditions and regulations that apply to the shipping of dangerous goods.
Consult an expert
Are you not quite sure which rules apply to your shipment? Don’t hesitate to contact customer service.
