4 steps to ensure compliance when shipping dangerous goods

Staying compliant is the most critical part of shipping dangerous goods.

Many everyday products, such as paints, aerosols, cleaners, and lithium batteries, are considered dangerous goods and have to meet strict requirements before they can be shipped.

A single mistake in classification, packaging, labelling, or documentation can stop your shipment or even result in penalties of up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for subsequent offences.

In this article, we outline what dangerous goods are, their nine hazard classes, and the steps to ensure compliance before your shipment makes its way into the supply chain.

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods (DG), also known as hazardous materials or hazmat, are substances that, when transported, pose a risk to “health, safety, property, or the environment”.

In Canada, all DG shipments are subject to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations.

The TDG Regulations set the standards for classifying, packaging, marking, and documenting Dangerous Goods, and apply to anyone who handles or transports them.

Other rules also apply for different shipping methods, such as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air shipments and the IMDG Code for ocean shipments.

What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?

To standardize the identification and handling of dangerous goods, they are classified into nine hazard classes under the United Nations (UN) system as follows:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible materials, and substances that react dangerously with water
• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosives
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods

4 steps to prepare for shipping dangerous goods

Before you hand over any dangerous goods to a carrier, you must make sure your shipment is fully TDG-compliant.

Follow these steps to ensure compliance and avoid any potential delays or penalties:

1. Classify your shipment accurately

Every dangerous goods shipment begins with correct classification. This includes determining the following information:

• • Shipping name
  • Identification number (UN number)
  • Hazard class
  • Packing group
  • Compatibility group letter and subsidiary class(es) (if applicable)

The main reference for this information is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which provides your product’s hazards and safety precautions. You can ask your manufacturer or supplier for it.

Under the TDG Regulations, you must keep proof of classification for at least five years.

This could be a test report, a lab report, or a written explanation of how the product was classified. 

2. Use the right packaging and labels

Dangerous goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging that matches the product’s assigned Packing Group, except where an exemption applies.

Once packaged, the shipment must be marked with:

• • The correct hazard labels
  • The UN Number
  • Any additional marks required under TDG, IATA, or IMDG for your product type

All marks must be durable, visible, and easily accessible for inspection. 

3. Prepare the required shipping documentation

A dangerous goods shipping document lists the classification details, the quantity and type of packaging, and all information required by law.

Carriers cannot accept or move the shipment without it.

This document must include, at a minimum:

• • Consignor’s name and address (or importer’s name and address for imports)
  • Date the document was prepared or provided to the carrier
  • Full description of the dangerous goods, in the following order:
    • UN number
    • Proper shipping name (with technical name in parentheses, if required)
    • Primary class (and compatibility group for Class 1)
    • Subsidiary class(es), if applicable
    • Packing group (I, II, or III), if applicable
    • Required wording for Special Provisions
  • Quantity in SI units (kg or L)
  • Number of small containers requiring labels, if applicable
  • 24-hour emergency phone number, preceded by “24-Hour Number”
  • Consignor’s certification declaring the shipment is accurately classified, packaged, and marked, and is in proper condition for transport 

Some shipments may also require an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) reference number.

4. Check carrier requirements and restrictions

Even if your shipment meets the TDG rules, your carrier may have additional restrictions.

So, before booking or handing over your shipment, confirm that:

• • Your carrier accepts the hazard class you’re shipping
  • Any carrier-specific documents, declarations, or packaging rules are met
  • The carrier has received your completed shipping document before they receive the goods

Because not all carriers accept all hazard classes, it’s best to work with a trusted freight forwarder with experience shipping dangerous goods.

Make sure you share your SDS and classification details with them early so they can complete an acceptance check, verify carrier restrictions, and confirm the safest routing options.

Requirements for people handling dangerous goods

Anyone who handles the transportation, packaging, and labelling of dangerous goods — across the entire supply chain — must have valid, up-to-date TDG training.

Training must be renewed every 24 months for transport by air and every 36 months for transport by road, rail, or sea.

Note that TDG training certificates are not transferable between companies. If a certified employee changes employers, the new employer must issue a new certificate for them.

How Cole International can help

At Cole International, we provide freight forwarding solutions to help businesses ship anything, including dangerous goods, across the globe, with greater efficiency and convenience.

Our team can work with you to:

• Review your SDS and product classification to confirm the exact shipping requirements
• Ensure your packaging, labels, and documentation meet TDG, IATA, or IMDG regulations
• Identify carriers and routes that accept your DG class to keep your shipment moving

Our goal is to help you ship your goods smarter and faster. 

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss the required steps for shipping dangerous goods, so that you can ensure compliance and avoid delays.