GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026
Classification of Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods officers, freight forwarders, and shippers carry out the classification of dangerous goods before any shipment is packed, marked, or loaded.
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Source: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods
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Dangerous goods officers, freight forwarders, and shippers carry out the classification of dangerous goods before any shipment is packed, marked, or loaded. The system divides substances and articles into nine internationally recognised classes—from explosives (Class 1) to radioactive materials (Class 7)—grouped by primary hazard type. Class membership determines the packing group, required markings and labels, accompanying documentation, and permitted routing. The regulatory foundation is the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, implemented modally through ADR (road), RID (rail), the IMDG Code (sea), and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (air). Misclassification can result in shipment rejection, fines, or serious liability exposure in the event of an incident.
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