GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

Labeling and Documentation for Dangerous Goods

Freight forwarders, shippers, and carriers are legally required to mark hazardous goods with standardized labels, placards, and hazard markings, and to provide the prescribed transport documents.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods

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Definition & Explanation

Freight forwarders, shippers, and carriers are legally required to mark hazardous goods with standardized labels, placards, and hazard markings, and to provide the prescribed transport documents. Requirements vary by mode: road transport falls under ADR, rail under RID, sea freight under the IMDG Code, and air cargo under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The markings allow authorities, emergency responders, and all supply chain parties to identify the hazard class, UN number, and packing group at a glance – information that can be critical in an emergency. Errors in labeling or documentation routinely result in loading bans, shipment holds, and substantial fines. This is distinct from product labeling under chemical classification law (CLP/GHS), which applies to consumer packaging at the point of sale and imposes different requirements from those of transport law.