Shipping Dangerous Goods

Since some products classified as dangerous goods aren’t always immediately obvious, it’s important to outline the different classes of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) to ensure you take the necessary precautions for shipping and storage.

The United Nations (UN) developed a “globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals” (GHS). This classification of dangerous goods (also known as ADR classes) is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. There are nine classes in total, some with subclasses, which form the foundation for the handling and transport requirements of specific materials.

Class 1: Explosives

These products, as the name suggests, could explode under certain conditions. This class is further divided into six divisions:

• 1.1: Explosives with a mass explosion hazard
• 1.2: Explosives with a projection hazard
• 1.3: Explosives with predominantly a fire hazard
• 1.4: Explosives with no significant blast hazard
• 1.5: Very insensitive explosives
• 1.6: Extremely insensitive explosive materials

Class 1 HAZMAT products include ammunition, gunpowder, fireworks, airbag inflators, seat belt pretensioners, and caps for toy guns.

Class 2: Gases

All pressurised gases are considered dangerous goods, even those that aren’t necessarily flammable or poisonous. There are four subdivisions within this class:

• 2.1: Flammable gases
• 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
• 2.3: Toxic gases
• 2.4: Oxidising gases

Class 2 HAZMAT products include aerosols, lighters, butane, hydrocarbon gas-powered devices, ethane, and methane.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids are identified by the temperatures at which they emit enough vapors to ignite, i.e., their flashpoint. Class 3 refers to any liquid with a flashpoint below 93ºC.

Examples of Class 3 HAZMAT products include acetone, lighter refills, adhesives, paints/lacquers/varnishes, alcohols, nail varnish, and perfumery products.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Flammable solids are materials that are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction. This class has three sub-divisions:

• 4.1: Flammable solids
• 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
• 4.3: Substances that, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.

Examples of Class 4 HAZMAT products include sodium batteries, firelighters, matches, oils, oily fabrics, and fish oil/fish meal.

Class 5: Oxidising

Oxidisers are distinguished by their ability to produce enough oxygen to initiate and sustain the ignition and burning of other materials. As a result, it's crucial to handle them carefully and to keep them away from combustibles. Both liquids and solids are included in this category, which has two sub-divisions:

• 5.1: Oxidising substances
• 5.2: Organic peroxides

Class 5 HAZMAT products include ammonium nitrate fertilisers, bleach, chlorine, sodium nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide.

Class 6: Toxic & Infectious

Toxic and infectious substances are products that, if mishandled, pose serious risks to health and safety. This includes substances that present a significant danger when ingested, through skin contact, or through inhalation. This class is divided into two sub-divisions:

• 6.1: Toxic substances
• 6.2: Infectious substances

Class 6 HAZMAT products include nicotine/nicotine compounds, lead-based compounds, cyanide-based compounds, medical waste, etc.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

According to dangerous goods legislation, radioactive material is any substance that contains radionuclides and whose overall activity and activity concentration exceed specified limits.

Class 7 HAZMAT products include radioactive medicines, medical isotopes, X-ray machines, isotopes used in research (e.g., Carbon-14), smoke alarms, and some luminous paint.

Class 8: Corrosives

Corrosives are defined as substances that, when in contact with other materials, deteriorate or disintegrate them chemically. When in contact with living tissue, corrosives can cause significant harm; if they leak, they can also damage or destroy nearby materials.

Class 8 HAZMAT products include acids/acid solutions, batteries/battery fluid (NiCad batteries), dyes, fire extinguisher charges, chlorides, and mercury thermometers.

Class 9: Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous is a general category for dangerous goods that don't perfectly fit into any other HAZMAT Class. However, since this group includes many common materials, retailers shouldn't overlook its importance.

Class 9 HAZMAT products include lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, battery-powered products, chemical kits, first aid kits, air bag modules, magnetised materials, and castor bean plant products.

Most Common Dangerous Goods in E-Commerce

Many times, online retailers are unsure whether their products require dangerous goods labels. This frequently causes issues in the fulfilment process, especially since two of the largest e-commerce industries are filled with products that are considered hazardous materials.

Dangerous Goods in the Beauty and Health Industry

One of the most common e-commerce sectors that frequently sell products classified as dangerous goods is beauty and health. Typical products within this sector that are regulated under HAZMAT shipping include:

• Fragrances: All alcohol-based perfumes, colognes, or aftershaves fall under HAZMAT Class 3. Even naturally occurring fragrances, such as essential oils, are combustible and fall under HAZMAT Class 4.
• Aerosol spray: Sprays that come in aerosol cans are regarded as dangerous goods. This includes deodorants, hairspray, and dry shampoos, which all fall into HAZMAT Class 2.
  
• Pressurised foam or cream: Just as with aerosol spray cans, many cosmetics are stored in pressurised cans. This includes shaving cream and foams, which fall under HAZMAT Class 2.
• Nail polish & nail polish remover: These products are also considered dangerous and fall under HAZMAT Class 3.

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Dangerous Goods in the Electronics Industry

Dangerous goods can be more challenging to identify in the electronics industry since they are often concealed in seemingly safe devices. These products are frequently powered by lithium-ion batteries, which fall under HAZMAT Class 9. Lithium batteries have the potential to short-circuit, overheat, and catch fire if improperly packed or damaged during transport. This means that many consumer electronics, such as smartphones, watches, laptops, and any cordless electronic devices, are considered dangerous goods.

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Note: NiCad batteries (Hazmat Class 8) have been banned within the EU and the UK except emergency systems and lightings, such as alarms, and medical equipment.

Governmental Protocols and Regulations

When shipping dangerous goods, it is imperative to comply with regulations to ensure safe and secure transportation. Depending on the mode of transport, different rules apply, and various authorities are responsible for overseeing and enforcing these regulations.

• Road Transport: Governed by the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (UNECE ADR).
• Sea Transport: Regulated by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
• Air Transport: Controlled by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
• Rail Transport: Overseen by the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF).

Penalties for Non-compliance

Given the risks dangerous goods pose to handlers and consumers alike, failing to comply with regulations can result in severe penalties. Violations of safety regulations, whether deliberate or accidental, will result in fines. Additional fines will be imposed if these violations cause injuries or property damage.

Common HAZMAT shipping violations include:

• Incorrect HAZMAT identification
• Issues with lithium batteries
• Improper package marking & labeling
• Incorrect marking & placarding
• Incomplete shipping documentation
• Package misuse

How to Ship Dangerous Goods

To avoid complications when shipping hazardous goods, follow these essential steps:

Determine HAZMAT Class

First, verify whether a product is considered a hazardous good and, if so, identify its specific HAZMAT class. This classification affects various processes, including the type of packaging required and the permissible shipping methods.

An SDS (Safety Data Sheet), formerly known as MSDS, is vital documentation that must accompany any dangerous goods during transportation. These sheets detail the risks associated with the materials and provide guidance on safe handling. You can obtain an SDS from the product manufacturer.

Use Appropriate Packaging

Different HAZMAT classifications and quantities require specific types of packaging, known as "UN packing groups". These are divided into three categories:

• Group I: High Danger
• Group II: Medium Danger
• Group III: Low Danger

Note: There are restrictions on mixing different HAZMAT product classes in a single package. Ensure you follow the rules on the segregation of dangerous goods, which also apply to storage.

Mark and Label Packages Correctly

Packages containing dangerous goods must be marked and labelled according to their class, UN number, weight, and other relevant information. Proper marking, labelling, and placarding are essential, including indicating the correct orientation (e.g., "This Side Up") to prevent mishandling.

Shipper's Declaration

Additional paperwork may be required depending on what you are shipping, where it is being shipped to, and the mode of transport. This includes:

• UN number
• Proper shipping name
• Hazmat class and division
• Packing group
• Quantity, number, and type of packages
• Emergency response information
• Shippers certification

Shipping Dangerous Goods With a Fulfillment Service Provider