DG Cargo Shipping Guide: Classification, Documentation & Safety Requirements for 2025
Just last month, the MV Wan Hai 503 became a devastating reminder of the catastrophic risks of dangerous goods shipping. The Singapore-flagged container ship exploded and caught fire on June 9, 2025, while carrying 1,754 containers, including 143 with cargo deemed dangerous by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, such as flammable liquids, toxic substances and solid hazardous materials. Of the 22 crew members aboard, 18 were rescued while four remain missing, with one crew member sustaining serious injuries. The explosions and subsequent fire caused dozens of containers to fall into the Arabian Sea.
This recent tragedy underscores what happens when dangerous goods (DG) cargo is not properly managed during shipping. Every year, thousands of businesses worldwide ship products classified as dangerous goods – from everyday items like perfumes and lithium batteries to industrial chemicals and medical supplies. Yet many companies remain unaware of the complex regulations, safety requirements, and severe consequences of improper DG cargo handling.
Whether you're shipping automotive parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods, understanding DG cargo requirements isn't just about compliance – it's about protecting lives, your business, and the environment.
What is DG Cargo in Shipping?
DG cargo, or Dangerous Goods cargo, refers to any substance or material that poses a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. These aren't just the "obviously dangerous" items you might expect – while explosives and toxic chemicals certainly qualify, DG cargo also includes many everyday products that businesses ship regularly.
You might be surprised to learn that common items like perfumes, nail polish, smartphones with lithium batteries, cleaning products, paint, aerosols, and even wine are classified as dangerous goods. The key isn't how dangerous they seem in normal use, but how they behave under shipping conditions that temperature changes, pressure variations, potential impacts, and proximity to other materials.
Dangerous goods are classified based on their primary hazard:
fire risk (flammable liquids and solids),
explosion potential (compressed gases, explosives),
toxicity (poisonous substances),
corrosiveness (acids, batteries),
environmental impact (marine pollutants).
The International Maritime Organization's Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) provides the global framework for these classifications.
The critical first step for any business is proper identification. Shipping unidentified dangerous goods isn't just a compliance issue. It's a legal liability that can result in hefty fines, shipment delays, and in worst cases, accidents like the recent MV Wan Hai 503 incident.
What is DG Cargo Classification and How Does It Work?
The DG cargo classification system divides dangerous goods into nine distinct classes based on their primary hazard type. This internationally standardized system, governed by the IMO's International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, ensures consistent handling regardless of where goods are shipped globally.
Class 1: Explosives - Fireworks, ammunition, airbag inflators, and some industrial chemicals that can explode under certain conditions.
Class 2: Gases - Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases including propane tanks, fire extinguishers, aerosol sprays, and medical oxygen cylinders.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids - Gasoline, paint, varnish, perfumes, nail polish, and alcoholic beverages over 24% alcohol content.
Class 4: Flammable Solids - Matches, some types of lithium batteries, magnesium, and substances that can ignite from friction or heat.
Class 5: Oxidizing Substances - Bleach, pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, and fertilizers that can intensify fires by releasing oxygen.
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances - Pesticides, medical waste, certain pharmaceuticals, and biological specimens.
Class 7: Radioactive Materials - Medical isotopes, industrial gauges, and research materials containing radioactive elements.
Class 8: Corrosives - Battery acid, cleaning solutions, and substances that can damage skin, metals, or other materials.
Class 9: Miscellaneous - Lithium batteries, dry ice, marine pollutants, and substances that don't fit other classes but still pose risks.
Your product's classification determines packaging requirements, labeling, shipping methods, and costs. Some items may have subsidiary classifications, meaning they fall under multiple classes and require additional precautions.
Which DG Cargo List Items Apply to Your Industry?
Most businesses are surprised to discover they're already shipping dangerous goods – often without proper classification. Here's what commonly qualifies as DG cargo across major industries:
Automotive Industry ships paint, adhesives, lithium-ion batteries (electric vehicles), brake fluid, and airbag inflators. Even car care products like wax, polish, and cleaning solvents are classified as DG cargo due to their flammable or corrosive properties.
Electronics and Technology companies regularly ship lithium batteries (smartphones, laptops, power banks), cleaning solvents for manufacturing, adhesives, and compressed gases used in cooling systems. Many don't realize that devices containing these batteries require special handling even when installed.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals handle medical waste, sterilizing agents (ethylene oxide), compressed gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide), certain medications, and laboratory specimens. Hand sanitizers and disinfectants used extensively during COVID also fall under DG classifications.
Consumer Goods and E-commerce businesses ship cosmetics (nail polish, perfume, aerosols), household cleaning products, alcoholic beverages over 24% alcohol content, and pool/spa chemicals. Even seemingly harmless items like certain toys with small batteries qualify as DG cargo.
Chemical and Manufacturing industries obviously handle acids, solvents, oxidizers, and industrial chemicals, but also ship "hidden" DG items like certain lubricants, adhesives, and maintenance products.
Agriculture ships pesticides, fertilizers (especially those containing ammonium nitrate), veterinary medicines, and fuel additives. Even some organic pest control products can be classified as dangerous goods.
Aerospace and Industrial sectors handle aviation fuel, hydraulic fluids, compressed gases, and specialized lubricants that require careful classification and handling.
The key challenge isn't identifying obviously dangerous chemicals – it's recognizing that everyday business supplies often qualify as DG cargo. Misclassification can result in fines up to $500,000 per violation, delayed shipments, and potential safety incidents. When in doubt, consult your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or work with a DG specialist to ensure compliance.
How to Ship DG Cargo: Understanding DG Classes, UN Numbers, and SDS
Successfully shipping dangerous goods requires mastering three critical elements: proper classification, UN number identification, and Safety Data Sheet interpretation. Getting any of these wrong can result in rejected shipments, hefty fines, or safety incidents.
What Are UN Numbers and How Do You Use Them?
UN numbers are four-digit codes that uniquely identify each dangerous substance globally. For example, gasoline is always UN1203, regardless of brand or origin. These numbers appear on packaging, shipping documents, and emergency response guides. You'll find your product's UN number on its Safety Data Sheet, usually in Section 14 (Transport Information). Without the correct UN number, your shipment will be rejected at the port.
How Do You Read Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
The SDS is your roadmap for safe shipping. Focus on Section 14 (Transport Information) which contains the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group. Section 2 (Hazard Identification) shows the specific risks, while Section 7 (Handling and Storage) provides temperature and compatibility requirements. Don't skip Section 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties) – it reveals flash points and other critical shipping parameters.
What Documentation and Packaging Do You Need?
DG cargo requires a Dangerous Goods Declaration signed by a certified person, plus the standard commercial invoice and packing list. Packaging must meet UN specification standards – look for UN markings on boxes and drums. Each DG class has specific packaging requirements: liquids need leak-proof containers, while solids may require different specifications. The packing group (I, II, or III) indicates the level of danger and corresponding packaging strength required.
How Do You Handle Segregation and Container Selection?
Never assume different DG products can ship together. Segregation tables in the IMDG Code specify minimum separation distances – some combinations are completely prohibited. Acids and bases, for example, must be kept apart to prevent dangerous reactions. Container selection depends on your cargo's class, quantity, and destination. Some DG cargo requires specialized containers with ventilation or temperature control.
How Do You Choose the Right DG Cargo Specialist?
Dangerous goods shipping isn't a DIY project. The complexity of regulations, severe penalties for non-compliance, and safety risks make working with a certified DG specialist essential – not optional. The question isn't whether you need professional help, but how to choose the right partner.
Look for specialists with current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and IMDG Code certifications. These aren't one-time qualifications – regulations change constantly, so your specialist must maintain ongoing training and certification updates. Ask about their staff's experience with your specific industry and cargo types. A specialist who handles automotive batteries may not understand pharmaceutical cold chain requirements.
Essential questions to ask potential partners: How do you stay current with regulation changes? What's your emergency response protocol? Do you provide 24/7 support? Can you handle documentation in multiple languages? What technology do you use for tracking and compliance management? How do you guarantee regulatory compliance?
Red flags include providers who can't produce current certifications, offer prices significantly below market rates, lack industry-specific experience, or can't provide references from similar businesses. Remember: the cheapest option often becomes the most expensive when shipments get rejected or fines are imposed.
Why Choose Gerudo Logistics for Your DG Cargo Needs?
Gerudo Logistics eliminates the guesswork in dangerous goods shipping. Our team holds current IATA DGR and IMDG Code certifications, with specialized training across automotive, electronics, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. We maintain 24/7 emergency support because dangerous goods don't follow business hours.
Our proprietary compliance management system automatically updates documentation as regulations change, ensuring your shipments never face delays due to outdated paperwork. We provide real-time tracking, complete documentation packages, and guarantee regulatory compliance with full insurance backing.
Unlike generic freight forwarders who handle DG cargo as a side service, dangerous goods are our core expertise. We've successfully managed over 10,000 DG shipments without a single compliance violation. Our clients save an average of 15% on shipping costs through optimized routing and packaging, while eliminating the risk of costly delays and penalties.
Ready to ship your dangerous goods safely and efficiently? Contact Gerudo Logistics today for a free consultation and discover why industry leaders trust us with their most challenging shipments.
Conclusion
The MV Wan Hai 503 incident reminds us that dangerous goods shipping isn't just about compliance – it's about protecting lives and businesses. DG cargo is more common than most realize, from smartphones to industrial chemicals.
Proper classification, UN numbers, and Safety Data Sheets aren't optional – they're legal requirements. The nine-class system provides the framework, but navigating this complexity requires genuine expertise.
The cost of mistakes – fines up to $500,000, delayed shipments, and safety incidents – far exceeds investing in proper handling. Whether shipping automotive parts, electronics, or consumer goods, you can't afford to ship without certified dangerous goods specialists.
Don't let your shipment become tomorrow's cautionary tale. Assess your current practices and ensure professional DG cargo handling.