Dangerous Goods Air Freight from Global: IATA DGR Compliance Guide

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods internationally, and for many high-value or time-sensitive dangerous goods (DG), it is the only viable shipping method. China, as the world's largest manufacturing hub, exports vast quantities of dangerous goods by air — from lithium batteries and electronics chemicals to pharmaceuticals, aerosols, and industrial solvents. However, shipping dangerous goods by air is governed by the strictest regulations in the logistics industry, and non-compliance can result in cargo refusal, fines, or even criminal liability.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of dangerous goods air freight from Global, covering the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), hazard class classification, packaging instructions, documentation requirements, airline-specific restrictions, lithium battery air freight rules, and the approval process for DG shipments in 2026.

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) is the global standard for shipping dangerous goods by air. Published annually by the International Air Transport Association, the DGR incorporates the ICAO Technical Instructions (the international legal framework for DG air transport) and adds additional airline-specific requirements. The DGR is updated every January 1st, and all shippers, forwarders, and carriers must use the current edition.

The DGR covers every aspect of dangerous goods air transport: classification, packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, handling, loading, and training requirements. Compliance with the DGR is mandatory for all air shipments of dangerous goods, and violations can result in:

• Cargo rejection and return to shipper
• Fines from civil aviation authorities (up to $50,000+ per violation)
• Shipper blacklisting by airlines
• Criminal prosecution for willful violations
• Confiscation of cargo by airport security

Dangerous Goods Classification (9 Hazard Classes)

The DGR classifies dangerous goods into nine hazard classes based on their physical and chemical properties. Proper classification is the foundation of DG compliance — every subsequent requirement (packaging, labeling, documentation) depends on the correct class and UN number.

Class	Hazard Type	Common Examples from Global	Passenger Aircraft
Class 1	Explosives	Airbag inflators, flares, detonators	Mostly forbidden
Class 2	Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)	Aerosols, LPG, compressed gas cylinders, fire extinguishers	Limited quantities
Class 3	Flammable liquids	Solvents, paints, alcohols, perfumes, adhesives	Limited quantities
Class 4	Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, dangerous when wet	Metal powders, matches, calcium carbide	Limited quantities
Class 5	Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides	Hydrogen peroxide, ammonium nitrate fertilizers	Mostly forbidden
Class 6	Toxic and infectious substances	Pesticides, medical samples, vaccines	Limited quantities
Class 7	Radioactive material	Medical isotopes, industrial gauges	Strictly regulated
Class 8	Corrosive substances	Batteries (acid), acids, alkalis, cleaning agents	Limited quantities
Class 9	Miscellaneous dangerous goods	Lithium batteries, magnets, dry ice, asbestos	Subject to PI

Each dangerous good is assigned a UN number (e.g., UN1950 for aerosols, UN3480 for lithium-ion batteries), a proper shipping name, and a packing group (I, II, or III) that indicates the degree of danger. Packing Group I = great danger, II = medium danger, III = minor danger.

Packaging Instructions and Requirements

The DGR assigns a Packing Instruction (PI) number to each UN number. The PI specifies the packaging type, quantity limits, and testing requirements. There are two main categories of packaging under the DGR:

UN Specification Packaging

For most fully regulated dangerous goods, packaging must meet UN performance testing standards. This means the packaging has been tested to withstand drops, stacking, pressure, and leakage tests appropriate to the packing group. UN-spec packaging is marked with a UN symbol and a code specifying the packaging type, packing group, gross weight, year, and country of manufacture. For example: 4G/Y20/S/26/CN/M-1234

• 4G = Fiberboard box
• Y = Packing Group II
• 20 = Max gross weight 20 kg
• S = Solids or inner packagings
• 26 = Year of manufacture (2026)
• CN = Country code (China)
• M-1234 = Manufacturer certificate number

Limited Quantity (LQ) Packaging

For smaller quantities of certain dangerous goods, the DGR allows Limited Quantity provisions, which reduce packaging requirements. LQ packaging does not need to be UN-specification tested, but must still be of good quality and capable of withstanding normal transport conditions. LQ packages display a Limited Quantity mark (a diamond with "LQ" or the UN number) instead of the full hazard label. Quantity limits per package are significantly lower under LQ provisions.

Excepted Quantities

For very small quantities (typically milliliters or grams), the Excepted Quantities provision applies. This allows minimal quantities of dangerous goods to be shipped with greatly reduced requirements — no hazard labels, no DGD, and minimal marking. Excepted quantity packages display a special mark with the class number and quantity code. This provision is commonly used for samples and small chemical shipments.

Marking and Labeling Requirements

Each DG package must display specific marks and labels that communicate the hazard to handlers, customs, and airline staff. Incorrect or missing markings are the leading cause of DG cargo rejection.

Required Marks

• Proper Shipping Name and UN Number: E.g., "Aerosols, flammable, UN1950" — displayed on the package exterior.
• Shipper and Consignee name and address: Full contact details must be visible.
• Net or gross quantity: The amount of dangerous goods in the package.
• Orientation arrows: Required for packages containing liquids (combination packaging with inner liquid receptacles).
• Limited Quantity mark or Excepted Quantity mark: If applicable under reduced-regulation provisions.

Required Labels

• Class hazard label(s): Diamond-shaped labels (100mm x 100mm minimum) for each applicable hazard class. Color-coded and numbered.
• Subsidiary risk label(s): If the product has a secondary hazard (e.g., a flammable toxic liquid needs both Class 3 and Class 6.1 labels).
• Handling labels: "Cargo Aircraft Only" label (for items forbidden on passenger aircraft), "Magnetic Material" label, "Keep Away from Heat" label, etc.

Documentation Requirements

DG air freight requires more documentation than standard air cargo. The key documents include:

1. Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD)

The DGD is the most critical DG document. It is a standardized IATA form where the shipper declares the dangerous goods classification, packaging, quantity, and compliance with DGR requirements. The DGD must be:

• Signed by the shipper (original signature or compliant electronic signature)
• Accurate in all fields — proper shipping name, UN number, class, packing group, number and type of packages, quantity, packing instruction number
• Prepared in triplicate (original for the carrier, one copy for the shipper, one retained by the forwarder)
• Retained for a minimum of 3-6 months (varies by jurisdiction)

Important: The DGD is a legal declaration. Any false or misleading statement on the DGD is a violation that can result in prosecution. The shipper (not the forwarder) bears legal responsibility for the DGD's accuracy.

2. Air Waybill (AWB)

The AWB is the transport contract between the shipper and the airline. For DG shipments, the AWB must include the statement "Dangerous Goods as per attached Shipper's Declaration" in the handling information box, or indicate "Dangerous Goods" in the nature and quantity of goods box. The AWB and DGD travel together with the cargo.

3. Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)

The SDS provides detailed information about the product's hazards, composition, handling, and emergency response. While not submitted with every shipment, the SDS must be available and is frequently requested by airlines, forwarders, and customs authorities to verify classification.

4. Packing Certificate

For certain DG shipments, a packing certificate from the facility that packed the dangerous goods may be required, confirming that the packaging was performed in accordance with DGR requirements. In China, DG packing must be performed at a certified DG packing facility approved by the civil aviation authority (CAAC).

5. Export License and Customs Documents

Certain dangerous goods are subject to China's export license requirements or dual-use item controls. Standard export customs declaration, commercial invoice, and packing list are also required.

Airline Restrictions and State Variations

Even when a dangerous good complies with all DGR requirements, individual airlines and countries may impose additional restrictions. These are published as Operator Variations (airline-specific rules) and State Variations (country-specific rules) in the DGR.

Common Airline Restrictions

• Cathay Pacific: Does not accept UN3480 (standalone lithium-ion batteries) or UN3090 (standalone lithium-metal batteries) on any aircraft.
• Singapore Airlines: Does not accept Class 1 explosives or certain Class 7 radioactive materials on passenger aircraft.
• Qatar Airways: Requires pre-approval for all Class 9 lithium battery shipments exceeding 100 kg.
• Lufthansa Cargo: Additional documentation requirements for Class 3 flammable liquids in bulk packaging.
• Chinese carriers (Air China, China Southern, China Eastern): Require DG pre-approval from the airline's cargo security department. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
• Integrators (FedEx, UPS, DHL): Each has specific acceptance criteria, quantity limits, and additional surcharges for DG shipments. FedEx and UPS require shippers to be pre-approved for DG shipping.

State Variations

Countries may add their own restrictions on DG air transport. For example:

• United States (FAA): Requires shippers and forwarders to complete FAA-approved DG training. Additional restrictions on lithium batteries under FAA regulations.
• European Union: Implements ICAO Technical Instructions with some additional ADR-related provisions for ground transport connections.
• China (CAAC): Requires all DG air freight to be processed through certified DG packing facilities. DG cargo must be declared to the airport's cargo security screening before tender to the airline.
• Hong Kong: Has specific requirements for DG transshipment through HKIA (Hong Kong International Airport), including pre-notification to the Airport Authority.

Lithium Battery Air Freight

Lithium batteries deserve special attention as they are the most commonly shipped dangerous good from Global and the subject of intense regulatory scrutiny. For a detailed discussion of lithium battery UN numbers and packaging, see our Lithium Battery Shipping Guide. Key air freight rules include:

UN3480 (Standalone Lithium-Ion Batteries)

Forbidden on passenger aircraft. Cargo aircraft only. Most major airlines have additional restrictions. Shipments must display the "Cargo Aircraft Only" label. Quantity limits: max 35 kg per package (Section IA) or 10 kg per package (Section IB).

UN3481 (Lithium-Ion Batteries Packed With or In Equipment)

Permitted on both passenger and cargo aircraft under Packing Instructions 966 and 967. Quantity limit: 5 kg per package (Section II) for both passenger and cargo aircraft. When contained in equipment (PI 967), the battery must be installed and secured to prevent accidental activation.

UN3090/UN3091 (Lithium-Metal Batteries)

UN3090 (standalone) is forbidden on passenger aircraft and heavily restricted on cargo aircraft. Many airlines refuse UN3090 entirely. UN3091 (packed with or in equipment) follows similar rules to UN3481 but with stricter lithium content limits.

State of Charge Requirement

Since 2016, IATA DGR requires that lithium-ion batteries shipped by air (UN3480, Section IA and IB) must be at a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. This reduces the energy available for thermal runaway in case of damage. Batteries with SoC above 30% require approval from the origin state's civil aviation authority and the airline.

The DG Air Freight Approval Process in China

Shipping dangerous goods by air from Global involves a multi-step approval process that differs from standard air freight:

Step 1: Classification and SDS Review

Obtain the Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer and confirm the dangerous goods classification (class, UN number, packing group). If the product has not been previously classified, consult a certified DG specialist or testing laboratory.

Step 2: DG Packing at Certified Facility

In China, dangerous goods for air freight must be packed at a facility certified by the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China). The packing facility selects appropriate UN-spec packaging, performs the packing, applies markings and labels, and issues a packing certificate. Factory-packed DG cargo without CAAC-certified packing certification will be rejected by airlines.

Step 3: DGD Preparation

The shipper (or their authorized DG forwarder) prepares the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. The DGD must be signed by a person who has completed IATA DGR training within the past 24 months. Training records must be available for inspection.

Step 4: Airline Pre-Approval

Submit the DGD, packing certificate, SDS, and commercial documents to the airline (or through the forwarder) for pre-approval. The airline's DG acceptance team reviews the documents and confirms acceptance or requests additional information. This process takes 1-3 business days depending on the airline and cargo type.

Step 5: Cargo Security Screening

All air cargo in China must undergo security screening (X-ray, ETD, or physical inspection) before tender to the airline. DG cargo requires special handling during screening — some DG items cannot be X-rayed and require alternative screening methods. The certified DG packing facility typically arranges screening.

Step 6: Tender to Airline

The screened DG cargo, with all documentation (DGD, AWB, packing certificate, SDS), is tendered to the airline's cargo terminal. The airline's DG acceptance inspector performs a final check of the package, markings, labels, and documents before accepting the cargo for loading.

Step 7: Loading and Transport

DG cargo is loaded according to the airline's DG loading plan. Incompatible dangerous goods (e.g., flammables and oxidizers) must be separated per the DGR segregation table. On passenger aircraft, DG is loaded in the cargo compartment, not accessible during flight. On cargo aircraft, certain DG may be loaded on the main deck.

Training Requirements

IATA DGR requires that all personnel involved in DG shipping — shippers, packers, forwarders, and airline staff — complete certified DG training every 24 months. Training must be specific to the employee's role and cover:

• General philosophy and limitations of DG transport
• Classification principles
• Packaging requirements and packing instructions
• Marking and labeling
• Documentation (DGD, AWB)
• Handling and emergency response
• Security provisions

In China, DG training is provided by IATA-accredited training centers and CAAC-approved organizations. SHAQ Logistics maintains a team of IATA DGR-certified specialists for dangerous goods handling and air freight operations.

Cost Considerations for DG Air Freight

DG air freight is more expensive than standard air cargo due to additional requirements:

• DG surcharge: Airlines charge a DG handling surcharge, typically $0.50-$2.00 per kg above the standard freight rate.
• Packing facility fees: CAAC-certified DG packing facilities charge for packing services, materials, and certification — typically $50-$200 per shipment depending on complexity.
• DG documentation fees: Forwarders charge for DGD preparation and DG handling — typically $50-$150 per shipment.
• UN-spec packaging cost: Certified packaging materials cost more than standard cartons — $10-$50 per package depending on size and rating.
• Security screening fees: DG-specific screening may carry additional charges.

Despite the higher cost, air freight remains essential for time-sensitive DG shipments where the value of speed outweighs the premium. For less urgent DG cargo, sea freight under IMDG Code is typically 60-80% cheaper.

Conclusion

Dangerous goods air freight from Global is a highly regulated but essential logistics service. Success requires deep knowledge of the IATA DGR, accurate classification, proper UN-specification packaging, complete documentation (especially the DGD), and adherence to airline-specific restrictions. The approval process is rigorous — and rightfully so, given the safety implications of transporting hazardous materials by air.

For shippers of lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols, and other DG products from Global, partnering with an IATA DGR-certified freight forwarder is not optional — it is a necessity. The forwarder's expertise in classification, packing facility coordination, airline pre-approval, and documentation ensures your DG cargo moves safely, legally, and on schedule.

SHAQ Logistics is a licensed NVOCC and dangerous goods forwarder with IATA DGR-certified specialists and established relationships with all major airlines operating from Chinese airports. Contact us for a free DG air freight consultation and quote within 24 hours.