Glossary term
Dangerous goods
Goods that pose a risk in transport and are subject to classification, packing, marking and documentation rules.
Substances and articles capable of harming people, property or the environment in transit. They are classified into hazard classes and packing groups, and each mode applies its own rulebook - IMDG at sea, IATA’s regulations in the air, ADR and equivalents by road.
The obligations sit largely on the shipper: correct classification, approved packaging, marking and labelling, and an accurate declaration. Misdeclaring dangerous goods is treated seriously - it has caused vessel fires - and carriers reject or off-load suspect cargo rather than take the risk.