We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Dangerous Goods Declaration?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 22,962
Share

A dangerous goods declaration consists of documenting contents of hazardous materials shipped by land, sea, or air. The document certifies a shipper followed regulations regarding labeling and packaging to safely transport materials or substances that pose a risk to people or animals. Precise information must appear on the declaration, including assigned codes to identify items in transit.

When someone ships a hazardous material, the dangerous goods declaration lists the number of items being sent and the net weight of the shipment. The name of the dangerous material is noted, along with a numerical code assigned to the product that determines the risk level if an accident or spill occurs. The form lists the name and address of the shipper, the type of packaging material used, and a toll-free number of a contact person in an emergency.

Different regulations exist for various methods of transport. The International Air Transport Industry (IATI) regulates hazardous materials sent by plane, including completion of a dangerous goods declaration worldwide. This form must accompany lithium batteries, oxygen tanks, magnetized products, and radioactive substances.

Biological samples or specimens with infectious properties sent by air are also regulated by the IATI. These might include samples of blood, fecal matter, body parts, or bodily fluids containing pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Biological samples noted on a dangerous goods declaration might be shipped to research labs for diagnostic purposes, or as part of an investigation.

The IATI sets standards and enforces regulations through a dangerous goods board. The board might periodically audit a shipment to ensure a dangerous goods declaration properly describes the hazardous materials and that packaging is sufficient to prevent leakage or rupture. This organization also provides training courses for shippers and ground workers who handle these packages.

A declaration for items sent by ground or sea might identify flammable liquids or solids. Any material that could explode or emit hazardous gas comes under specific packaging and handling regulations. Toxic substances require specific coding and labeling indicated on the dangerous goods declaration.

These documents assist in handling of hazards when transferring packages from one mode of transportation to another. They also provide an immediate indication of the level of danger if an accident happens. Emergency personnel can review the declaration and determine the type of substance needing clean-up to protect the health and safety of the public. The document also helps hazmat crews determine the size of a decontamination area for specific materials.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-dangerous-goods-declaration.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.