Safely transport hazardous materials and international to ship
Batteries, perfumes, chemicals, paints, aerosol cans, and other hazardous materials have special shipping requirements. We'll show you clearly what information is needed and what's important regarding packaging, labeling, documentation, and transport.
What is hazardous material?
Dangerous goods are substances and articles that may pose particular dangers to people, animals, the environment or property during transport.
It is not decisive whether a product appears particularly dangerous in everyday life. This is precisely why the dangers of hazardous materials are often underestimated during shipping.
A laptop, an e-bike, a can of spray paint, or a bottle of perfume doesn't initially appear to be typical hazardous material. However, the batteries, flammable liquids, gases, or other substances they contain can trigger special transport regulations.
Which requirements actually apply depends, among other things, on the Dangerous goods classification, UN number, quantity, packaging, mode of transport and transport route .
Batteries
Lithium-ion, lithium-metal and other battery types may be subject to special transport regulations.
Perfume & Cosmetics
Perfumes containing alcohol and certain cosmetic products may be classified as flammable liquids.
Paints & Varnishes
Paints, thinners, solvents and some adhesives are among the typical hazardous goods products.
Aerosols & Pressure Vessels
Aerosol cans, gas cartridges or other pressurized containers may trigger special requirements.
Dangerous goods do not automatically mean a shipping ban.
Many dangerous goods can be transported if the classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and transport route are correct. At the same time, carriers can exclude individual substances or shipping configurations.
Is my merchandise classified as dangerous goods?
The most important rule is: Don't guess. Correct classification of the goods is crucial. Therefore, the available product information should first be checked.
Select product
What exactly is to be shipped? Trade names alone are insufficient for an assessment of many products.
Check classification
Check the UN number, hazard class, packing group and any other available transport information.
Record quantity
Individual quantity, total quantity, number of packages, as well as net and gross weight may be relevant.
Determine transport route
Road, air, and sea transport have different requirements. Therefore, the specific shipping method must be taken into account.
Safety data sheet available?
For chemical products, the safety data sheet is an important source of information. Transport information is typically found in the transport section.
No dangerous goods data available?
The classification should then be clarified before booking the shipment. Manufacturers or suppliers can often provide the necessary product and hazardous materials information.
The 9 classes of dangerous goods explained simply
Dangerous goods are assigned to different classes depending on their properties. This classification influences, among other things, packaging, labeling, documentation, and transport options.
Explosive substances
Explosive substances and articles are subject to particularly strict transport requirements.
gases
This includes, for example, certain gases, aerosols and pressure vessels.
Flammable liquids
This can include paints, varnishes, solvents, alcohol-based products and perfumes.
Flammable solids
These substances can easily ignite or react dangerously under certain conditions.
Oxidizing substances
Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides can cause or intensify fires.
Toxic and infectious substances
This class includes substances with toxic or infectious properties.
Radioactive substances
Radioactive materials are subject to special safety and transport requirements.
Corrosive substances
These substances can damage skin, materials, or other goods through chemical reactions.
Various hazardous substances
This includes, among other things, various batteries and other substances that pose particular transport hazards.
Shipping dangerous goods is not the same for every mode of transport.
Goods can be handled differently on the road than by plane or sea. Therefore, it should be clear how the shipment will be transported before booking.
Dangerous goods according to ADR
Special requirements apply to dangerous goods during road transport.
Depending on the substance, quantity and transport, requirements may apply to packaging, labeling, transport documents and transport.
Dangerous goods transported by air freight
Air transport is subject to particularly strict safety requirements.
In addition, airlines and carriers can set their own restrictions and acceptance conditions.
Dangerous goods in maritime transport
Special requirements also apply to dangerous goods in international maritime transport.
These include, among other things, classification, packaging, labeling and documentation.
Safely ship lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are among the most common dangerous goods topics in international shipping. The method of transport is also crucial.
This information helps us
- battery type
- UN number, if known
- Watt-hours or battery data
- number of batteries
- Weight
- Individually, with device or in the device
- Battery condition
- Country of departure and destination
Damaged or defective batteries
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries may be subject to significantly stricter requirements or excluded from certain transport routes.
Packaging and labeling of dangerous goods
For hazardous materials, a sturdy shipping carton is not automatically sufficient. The requirements depend on factors such as classification, quantity, and mode of transport.
Suitable packaging
Depending on the hazardous material, special or tested packaging as well as defined inner and outer packaging may be required.
Labeling
Depending on the dangerous goods and shipping method, hazard labels, UN numbers, orientation arrows or other markings may be necessary.
What documents might be needed?
The necessary documents depend on the goods, mode of transport, route and destination country.
| Document / Information | Purpose | Typical relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Data Sheet | Information on properties, classification and transport. | Especially with chemical products. |
| UN number | Identification of hazardous substances and articles. | For appropriately classified hazardous materials. |
| Transport document | Contains transport-related dangerous goods information. | Depending on transport and shipment. |
| Shipper's Declaration | Dangerous goods declaration for certain air freight shipments. | If required for the specific shipment. |
| Commercial or pro forma invoice | Basis for customs clearance. | Especially in third countries. |
| Export documents | May be required for certain exports. | Depending on the export procedure and the value of the goods. |
This is how we will proceed together
With complete product and shipping data, the shipment can be checked step by step.
Send request
Provide details of the goods, quantity, place of departure, destination country and any available dangerous goods information.
Check data
The available information and transport requirements are considered.
Check shipping route
Suitable transport and carrier options can be checked.
Prepare for shipment
The shipment can then be prepared according to the requirements.
We need this information
The more complete your information is, the more precisely the possible shipping solution can be examined.
Commodity
Product description, manufacturer and, if applicable, safety data sheet.
Dangerous goods data
UN number, hazard class, packing group and other information.
Quantity
Quantity, number of packages and weights.
Packing
Dimensions, weight, packaging type and available packaging information.
Transport route
Pickup location, destination country, postal code and desired shipping period.
Features
Battery in device, prototype, return or other special characteristics.
Common mistakes when shipping dangerous goods
Do not specify dangerous goods
Dangerous goods should not be declared as ordinary goods just because standard shipping seems easier.
Using the wrong UN number
The classification must match the goods actually shipped.
Treat road and air equally
The requirements can vary considerably depending on the transport route.
Carrier specifications overlooked
Shipping providers may have additional acceptance rules and restrictions.
Do not report damaged batteries.
The condition can be crucial for transportability.
Check documentation too late
The necessary documents should be clarified before the handover.
International shipping with a central solution
International shipping combines transportation, carrier requirements, customs, and export processes.
Multi Carrier
Use different shipping providers and transport options centrally.
International
For shipping processes from Germany and Europe to international target markets.
Customs & Export
Shipping, customs and export requirements can be considered together.
Personal contact
For complex shipping cases, you will have a personal contact person at your side.
Do you want to ship hazardous materials?
Please send us your shipping details. The following information is particularly helpful: product name, dangerous goods classification or safety data sheet, quantity, packaging details, pickup location, and destination country.
FAQ on shipping dangerous goods
Answers to frequently asked questions about dangerous goods, batteries, packaging and international shipping.
What is considered dangerous goods for shipping purposes?
Dangerous goods include substances and articles that can pose particular hazards during transport. These can include batteries, gases, flammable liquids, chemicals, or aerosol cans.
Can hazardous materials be shipped via parcel service?
Partly yes. Crucial factors include the hazard class, UN number, quantity, packaging, route, and the carrier's acceptance rules.
Can I ship hazardous materials internationally?
International transport options exist for many hazardous goods. However, the transport route, carrier, destination country, and classification must all be checked together.
What rules apply on the road?
The applicable ADR regulations are particularly relevant for the international road transport of dangerous goods.
What rules apply to dangerous goods on airplanes?
Special requirements apply to the transport of dangerous goods by air. Airlines and carriers may stipulate additional acceptance conditions.
Can I ship lithium batteries?
Many lithium batteries can be transported using various methods. The decisive factors are battery type, power output, quantity, packaging, condition, and method of transport.
Can I ship a laptop with a lithium battery?
In many cases this is possible. Battery data, condition, number of devices, packaging and transport route must be taken into account.
Can an e-bike with battery be shipped?
E-bike batteries may be subject to special requirements due to their energy capacity. Transport should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Is perfume considered dangerous goods?
Many perfumes contain flammable liquids and may therefore be classified as hazardous materials.
Is a safety data sheet sufficient?
A safety data sheet provides important information, but does not automatically replace all requirements for packaging, labeling and documentation.
What is a UN number?
The UN number is used to identify certain dangerous substances and articles.
What is a Shipper's Declaration?
The Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is a dangerous goods declaration that may be required for certain air freight shipments.
Can I ship damaged lithium batteries?
Damaged or defective batteries may be subject to significantly stricter requirements or excluded from certain transport routes.
Who is responsible for the dangerous goods declaration?
The companies and individuals involved in transport have different responsibilities depending on their role. The specific responsibility depends on the type of transport and the constellation of parties involved.
More about international shipping
Prohibited items
Which goods cannot be transported or can only be transported to a limited extent.
Learn more →Shipping service
Information on shipping and logistics partners for national and international shipments.
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Get in touch →Note: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace an individual assessment under dangerous goods regulations. Specific requirements depend on factors such as the goods, classification, quantity, packaging, transport route, carrier, country of origin, and destination country. The applicable regulations and acceptance conditions are authoritative.