Dangerous Goods Shipping Guide
Find the IMDG class for your cargo - understand what documentation, packaging, and labelling is required before you book
Cargo
UN No.
Class
Packing Group
Lithium-ion batteries (in equipment)
Lithium-ion batteries (standalone)
Lithium metal batteries (in equipment)
Lithium metal batteries (standalone)
Lead-acid batteries (wet, non-spillable)
Lead-acid batteries (wet, spillable)
Nickel-metal hydride batteries
Capacitors (electric double layer)
Paint / lacquer / varnish
Paint related material
Isopropanol / isopropyl alcohol
Methanol / methyl alcohol
Ethanol / alcohol solution
Acetone
Nail polish
Perfumery products
Adhesives (flammable)
Gasoline / petrol / motor fuel
Diesel fuel / heating oil
Kerosene / jet fuel
Commonly misdeclared - frequently shipped without declaration
Showing first 20 results. Type to search for a specific cargo.
This tool is indicative only. The IMDG Code is the authoritative source. Always verify classification with a certified Dangerous Goods specialist before shipping.
The 9 IMDG hazard classes explained
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code divides all hazardous materials into 9 classes based on the primary hazard they present.
What you need before shipping dangerous goods
Every shipment of dangerous goods by sea requires compliance across six areas. Missing any one of them can result in cargo being refused, delayed, or confiscated.
Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD)
The Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form (IMDG DGD) is the most critical document. The shipper must complete and sign it declaring the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, and packaging details. It must be provided to the carrier before the booking cutoff. Carriers are legally prohibited from accepting DG cargo without a signed DGD.
UN Number & Proper Shipping Name
Every dangerous good has a 4-digit UN number (e.g., UN 3481 for lithium-ion batteries in equipment) and an official Proper Shipping Name defined in the IMDG Code. Both must appear on the DGD, package markings, and documentation exactly as listed in the IMDG Code - no abbreviations or trade names.
Packing Groups (I, II & III)
Most Class 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 goods are assigned a Packing Group indicating danger level: PG I (great danger), PG II (medium danger), PG III (minor danger). Packing group determines the minimum packaging standard required. The lower the PG number, the stricter the packaging and labelling requirements.
Marking & Labelling
Each package must be marked with the UN number (e.g., UN 3480) and the proper shipping name. The correct IMDG hazard label(s) must be affixed - a diamond-shaped label showing the class number and hazard symbol. Labels must be at least 100mm × 100mm and applied to a contrasting background. Marine Pollutants require an additional marine pollutant mark.
UN-Certified Packaging
Dangerous goods must be packed in packaging that has been tested and certified to the applicable UN performance standard. The UN certification mark appears on the packaging itself (e.g., 1A1/X1.2/300/23/...). Using non-certified packaging - even high-quality commercial packaging - is a regulatory violation. Packing Group I goods require the highest-specification packaging.
Segregation Requirements
The IMDG Code specifies which classes of dangerous goods are incompatible with each other in the same container or vessel hold. For example, Class 3 flammable liquids must be segregated from Class 5.1 oxidisers. These rules apply both within a single container (multiple DG lines on one booking) and across the vessel's stowage plan.
Why dangerous goods shipments get refused or detained
DG violations carry significant penalties and can result in cargo being abandoned at port. These are the most common compliance failures.
Shipping DG without declaring it
The most dangerous and heavily penalised violation. Undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods are a leading cause of vessel fires at sea. Penalties include cargo confiscation, unlimited liability for damages, and criminal prosecution. Carriers and customs authorities conduct routine X-ray and sampling checks.
Using the trade name instead of the Proper Shipping Name
Writing 'hand sanitizer' or 'isopropyl alcohol 70%' on the DGD instead of the IMDG Proper Shipping Name ('ISOPROPANOL') is a declaration error. The DGD must use the exact name from the IMDG Code. Even minor deviations can cause a booking rejection.
Non-UN-certified packaging
Using regular cardboard boxes or commercial plastic containers for DG cargo - even for seemingly low-risk PG III goods - is non-compliant. Every outer packaging for DG must carry the UN performance test mark. This is one of the most common errors at physical inspection.
Wrong or missing DG labels
Applying the wrong hazard class label, using undersized labels (minimum 100mm × 100mm), or placing them on a surface where they are obscured by other markings are all violations. Each package must show all applicable labels for all hazards present - including subsidiary risk labels where required.
Not checking carrier DG restrictions
Carriers have their own DG acceptance policies that are often stricter than the IMDG Code. Many carriers refuse lithium batteries above certain watt-hour ratings, toxic gases on certain trade lanes, or Class 1 cargo entirely. Always request the carrier's DG acceptance list before booking - not after.
Missing or outdated Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
An up-to-date SDS (formerly MSDS) must accompany every DG shipment and be available to emergency responders. An SDS more than 3 years old, or one that doesn't match the product being shipped, is a compliance failure. The carrier and forwarder must both retain a copy.