Shipping dangerous goods internationally with DHL Express

Navigating the complexities of transporting dangerous goods demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to a stringent framework of safety protocols. This is because the journey of hazardous materials, known for their potential to inflict damage on people, assets, or the environment, is governed by an intricate set of standards and regulations. 

In the context of Thailand, the challenge of shipping dangerous goods – whether across borders or within the nation – also calls for an unwavering commitment to compliance and safety measures. Given the diversity of hazardous materials, ranging from volatile chemicals and flammable items, it inevitably necessitates a tailored approach to their handling and transportation. 

Here's what you need to know about navigating the complexities of shipping dangerous goods in and out of Thailand.

What are considered dangerous goods when shipping?

Dangerous goods (DG), often referred to as hazmat, encompass a broad spectrum of substances and materials that, if not managed correctly, present a significant hazard to health, safety, and property. These items are classified based on their potential hazards, including flammability, corrosiveness, explosiveness, toxicity, radioactivity, and environmental threats. 

Examples of such goods range from everyday items like lithium batteries and aerosols to more specialised substances such as industrial chemicals, infectious biological cultures, and radioactive medical materials. 

The 9 classes of dangerous goods

The key to mitigating the dangers these types of goods pose lies in their early identification. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the classification system for dangerous goods to help ensure that each category is handled and transported according to specific safety guidelines to mitigate risks effectively. 

Dangerous goods are classified into 9 distinct categories. These classes are:

• Class 1 - Explosives: Materials that can explode, causing fires, shrapnel, and shock waves. This class includes fireworks, ammunition, and certain industrial explosives.
• Class 2 - Flammable Gases: Substances which are gaseous at room temperature and can be flammable, non-flammable, or toxic. Examples include petroleum gases, lighters, helium, and insecticide gases.
• Class 3 - Flammable Liquids: Liquids that ignite easily, such as gasoline, perfumery products, alcohol, acetone, and diesel fuel.
• Class 4 - Flammable Solids: Substances that are solid but can ignite through friction, absorption of moisture, or chemical changes. Examples are matches, sodium batteries, and certain types of metal powders.
• Class 5 - Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides: Materials that can release oxygen to stimulate the combustion of other materials. This includes fertilisers and calcium nitrate.
• Class 6 - Toxic and Infectious Substances: Materials that can cause death, injury, or illness if swallowed, inhaled, or come into contact with skin. This class covers arsenic compounds, cyanide, and medical waste.
• Class 7 - Radioactive Material: Substances that emit radiation, including medical treatment products and nuclear waste.
• Class 8 - Corrosives: Substances that can dissolve organic tissue or severely corrode metals. Examples are acids like sulfuric acid, mercury, hydrochloric acid and various other acids.
• Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Items that do not fit into the other categories but are considered dangerous for transport fall under Class 9 DG. This includes dry ice, environmentally hazardous substances, magnetised materials, self-inflatable rescue equipment like vests and airbags, lithium batteries, as well asand consumer goods such as aerosols, body lotions, and perfumes..

Shipping each class requires adherence to specific regulations that cover packaging, labelling, handling, and documentation to ensure the safety of the transport process.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape for Dangerous Goods Shipping

While many of the aforementioned commodities are indeed classified as DGs, they are still eligible for shipping. 

However, that does not mean that shipping dangerous goods like lithium batteries or even certain medical devices is a hassle-free process. This complexity is typically associated with the stringent international and local regulations for shipping dangerous goods.

At the heart of these regulations is the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), which sets global standards for airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and shippers, including detailed guidelines for the shipment of hazardous materials. 

Alongside IATA DGR, the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) governs road transport within countries adhering to this convention, ensuring safety across borders.

Key requirements for shipping dangerous goods

With the long list of hazardous substances, their classes, and various regulations to abide by, how exactly can one go about shipping these DGs? 

To be recognised as an approved shipper of dangerous goods, several key criteria must be met:

1. Qualified personnel

To transport dangerous goods safely, there must be qualified personnel present who are well-versed in the specific categories of hazardous materials being shipped. 

For the secure shipment of certain dangerous goods, including but not limited to UN3733 (biological substances), UN1845 (dry ice), as well as goods classified under Excepted Quantities (EQ) and Class 9 (excluding UN3090 Lithium Batteries), it is imperative to have personnel who are certified by IATA involved in the process. This requirement ensures that at least one individual on the premises has undergone rigorous training and possesses a current certification in handling dangerous goods. 

2. Proper packaging

In accordance with guidelines from The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Dangerous Goods (DGs) transported by air must adhere to the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc. 9284), issued by the ICAO Council. Packaging for such materials must be durable and leak-proof, designed to withstand transportation stresses including temperature and pressure changes, vibrations, and impacts. This ensures compliance with international and national safety standards.

Packaging for DGs comprises three essential components: a primary receptacle, a secondary packaging, and a rigid outer packaging. Primary receptacles are secured within secondary packaging to prevent breakage or leakage under normal transport conditions. Secondary packaging is then cushioned and placed in outer packaging, ensuring the safety and integrity of the contents during transport. This system is crucial for mitigating leakage risks and maintaining the safety of hazardous material transport by air.

3. Labelling and paperwork

The precision and currency of documentation and labelling for shipments containing dangerous goods cannot be overstated. This labelling must adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the IATA to ensure clarity and compliance throughout the transportation process. 

Moreover, every shipment of dangerous goods must be accompanied by a comprehensive Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD), which acts as a crucial document alongside the Waybill. This declaration, together with a detailed shipping invoice, must provide an explicit description of the dangerous goods being transported, highlighting their classification, nature, and any potential risks they pose. 

4. Product checks

Before any dangerous goods shipment is approved for transport, the specific items to be shipped must undergo thorough verification to ensure they match the agreed-upon terms. 

This process includes checking the nature, quantity, and classification of the goods to confirm that they are eligible for shipment and comply with all relevant regulations. Any deviations from the agreement may lead to the rejection of the shipment, emphasising the importance of accuracy and transparency in the shipping process.

5. Destination considerations

Understanding the regulations of the destination country is also essential for the successful shipment of dangerous goods. 

Each country may have different regulations regarding the transit of hazardous materials, including specific restrictions and requirements for transportation timings. Shippers must thus be familiar with these regulations to avoid delays, fines, or the rejection of shipments.

Special provisions for shipping non-standard dangerous goods

When it comes to shipping items not typically considered hazardous, certain conditions can lead to their classification as dangerous goods. This is particularly relevant for electronics equipped with lithium batteries, which, under specific criteria, can be shipped without the stringent requirements typically associated with dangerous goods.

For instance, electronic devices containing lithium batteries (e.g. mobile phones and laptops) are subject to special provisions according to IATA guidelines. Devices with less than four cells or containing no more than two batteries may be accepted as normal shipments, with a limit of two cartons per shipment. This allowance is a significant exception to general rules and facilitates easier shipping of common electronic goods.

Conversely, everyday items such as aerosols, body lotions, and perfumes, while commonly used, can be flagged as DGs due to their chemical composition, falling under one of the nine DG classifications. To ship these items internationally from Thailand, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required. The MSDS provides essential information on the chemical properties, handling instructions, and safety measures for substances, thereby enabling their classification. It acts as crucial documentation for proving that a shipment complies with regulations, ensuring smooth transportation and customs clearance.

In compliance with the Notification on the Hazard Classification and Communication System for Hazardous Substances (B.E. 2555), manufacturers and importers bear the responsibility of furnishing these safety data sheets. And the specified format and content guidelines will have to adhere to standard 16-section headings and subheadings, aligning with the UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). It is crucial to note that it falls upon the shipper to furnish the documents to DHL Express, as we do not provide these documents on anyone’s behalf.

Frequently asked questions on shipping dangerous goods internationally