GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Dangerous goods
Unlike conventional freight, dangerous goods are substances and articles that pose a significant risk to people, property, or the environment during transport due to properties such as flammability, explosive potential, toxicity, corrosiveness, or radioactivity.
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Source: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike conventional freight, dangerous goods are substances and articles that pose a significant risk to people, property, or the environment during transport due to properties such as flammability, explosive potential, toxicity, corrosiveness, or radioactivity. The applicable regulatory framework depends on the mode of transport: ADR covers road, RID covers rail, the IMDG Code governs sea freight, and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations apply to air cargo. All regimes require correct classification into one of nine UN hazard classes, compliant packaging, hazard labelling, and complete accompanying documentation. Carriers, drivers, and warehouse staff must hold verifiable training credentials; a shipment with missing or incorrect classification can trigger substantial fines alongside civil and criminal liability. Not to be confused with goods subject to import restrictions under customs law, which may apply entirely independently of any physical or chemical hazard.
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