Find dangerous goods

There are nine classes of dangerous goods, plus a few sub-classes. The class your shipment falls under will affect how you pack, label and transport it.

Like fireworks or flares

DG classification: 1. Explosive substances and articles


Like aerosols or camping gas

DG classification: 2.1. Flammable gas


Like compressed oxygen

DG classification: 2.2. Non-flammable gas


Like insecticide gases

DG classiciation: 2.3. Toxic gas


Like solvents or paints

DG classification: 3. Flammable liquids


Like matches

DG classification: 4.1. Flammable solids


Like phosphorus

DG classification: 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion


Like calcium carbide

DG classification: 4.3. Substances that emit flammable gases when in water

Like fertiliser

DG classification: 5.1. Oxidising substances


Like fibreglass repair kits

DG classification: 5.2. Organic peroxides


Like pesticides

DG classification: 6.1. Toxic substances


Like blood tests or medical trials

DG classification: 6.2. Infectious substances


Like smoke detectors

DG classification: 7. Radioactive material


Like bleach or drain cleaner

DG classification: 8. Corrosive substances


Like airbags, magnets, telephones or laptops

DG classification: 9. Miscellaneous
 


Like separate lithium cells and batteries

DG classification: 9. Miscellaneous

Other labels to look out for

If you spot any of the labels shown below on the items you want to ship, you'll need to get in touch with us.

If you're not sure whether your shipment is dangerous goods or not, ask the manufacturer or supplier for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If it contains a UN number, it's dangerous goods. Alternatively, you can just contact us.

Examples of dangerous goods

Some goods that are classified as hazardous materials may surprise you, such as aerosols, perfume or anything containing lithium batteries – like phones or laptops.

Lithium batteries

If packed incorrectly or damaged in transit, lithium batteries can short-circuit, causing them to overheat and catch fire.

Sprays and aerosols

The compressed gas that makes these items work is hazardous and can explode if packed incorrectly.

Paints and varnishes

Oil-based paints, spray paints and some varnishes can overheat and catch fire in certain conditions.

Perfumes

Alcohol, which is a flammable substance, is also a crucial ingredient in almost all perfumes and colognes.

What you need to know

It’s your responsibility

It’s the shipper’s responsibility to ensure dangerous goods are correctly declared, packed and labelled with the right documentation for the countries of origin, transit and destination.

Extra surcharges

Shipping dangerous goods requires special transport and handling services. This means extra charges will be added to your shipping costs.  

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