Dangerous Goods

What are dangerous good?

A dangerous good is a substance, which if not handled properly is capable of posing risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce. You might not even know that products like aerosols, perfume or anything containing lithium batteries are considered dangerous. There are nine classes of dangerous good. The class your product falls under determines how you pack your product and label it.

Many electronics are classed as dangerous goods

But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you can’t ship them.

Lithium batteries are classed as dangerous goods because they contain high levels of electrical energy. They are found commonly in electronics. Incorrect packing or damage in transit can cause lithium batteries to overheat and catch fire.

Dangerous goods should be classified, declared, packed and labelled correctly with the right documentation. And the packing materials really depend on what you're shipping and the quantity. You can get in touch with our experts to understand the shipping process.

Why are they dangerous goods?

In a word? Fire.

Increasingly powerful, lithium batteries are designed to keep devices running for hours or days at a time. To achieve this, they contain high levels of electric energy. If packed incorrectly or damaged in transit, lithium batteries can short-circuit, causing them to overheat and catch fire.

Poor quality and counterfeit batteries are most at risk because they haven’t been through the rigorous testing required.

There are certain locations which accept dangerous goods, certain locations that do not accept specific classes of dangerous goods and dangerous goods are not accepted to ship via all services. Shipments falling under the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) need special transport arrangements and the sender must contact Vega Express for shipping confirmation/arrangements prior to shipping. Vega Express reserves the right to refuse dangerous goods at any location where they cannot be accepted in accordance with applicable law.

Each shipment must be accompanied by the IATA Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form when required.

Coverage & Transit times
Shipping requirements
What can you ship with us?

This service is available to and fro in more than 90 countries(1).

Transit times and delivery commitments may vary depending upon exact origin, destination and nature of goods carried. Please refer to the rates and transit times available on our website or contact customer service to speak with our Dangerous Goods Specialists.


(1) UN3373 Dangerous Goods can be shipped to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. Details per country can be found at: vegaexpress.net or by contacting customer service.

Documents

Dangerous Goods shipments require the completion of an Expanded International Air Waybill, as well as the submission of three original Shipper’s Declarations (that must include a 24h emergency phone number). Please note that all such forms must be typed and printed, manual versions are not accepted.

Dry Ice

If Dry Ice is used to refrigerate Dangerous Goods :

  • Tick ‘yes’ on AWB for containing dangerous goods.

  • Shipper’s declaration required.

If Dry Ice is used to refrigerate non-Dangerous Goods :

  • The AWB must indicate: UN 1845, Dry Ice or Carbon Dioxide, Solid, the number of packages and net quantity of dry ice in kilograms.

  • Shipper’s Declaration not required.

Packaging

You are responsible for the packaging, labelling and documentation of your Dangerous Goods shipments, which must comply with IATA regulations. The following information must be provided:

  • UN-number or ID-number (as applicable) (identification number of Dangerous Goods)

  • Proper shipping name

  • Hazard label

  • Name and address of shipper and consignee

DG notified packaging including brown boxes may not be used to ship dangerous goods or dry ice (with the exception of UN3373, Biological Substance Category B in Vegaexpress UN3373 Pak and Lithium Battery Section II shipments in FedEx branded boxes and tubes).

* Acceptance of commodities may depend on the consignment size and weight, the class, country as well as origin and destination zip code. Please contact Customer Service for further details.

** Classes 6.1 I and 6.1 II only with special packing, Classes 6.1 III accepted.