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.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
136
Mentioned in
–
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.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Related News
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.