GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Dangerous Goods Surcharge in Maritime Transport
When booking with a carrier, the dangerous goods surcharge – commonly abbreviated as DGS or referred to as a hazardous materials fee – appears as a standard line item on the freight invoice.
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Source: https://www.incoterms.com
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When booking with a carrier, the dangerous goods surcharge – commonly abbreviated as DGS or referred to as a hazardous materials fee – appears as a standard line item on the freight invoice. It covers the additional costs carriers incur for crew training, specialised stowage inspections under the IMDG Code, enhanced documentation, and elevated liability exposure. The surcharge is assessed independently of freight weight and differs by hazard class and trade lane. Unlike the Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF), the DGS is fixed for a given tariff period rather than fluctuating with market conditions. Shippers and freight forwarders should factor it into cost calculations early, as rates can vary considerably across carriers and commodity types.
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