Dangerous Goods Air Freight
DG Air Freight. Get Compliance and Rates Right.
Find airlines that accept the dangerous goods classification on your target route before you book. Compare available options and avoid wasting time with carriers that cannot handle the cargo.
Filter by DG acceptance
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Mistakes can result in rejection.
Classification, packaging, marking, labelling and documentation
must all match the requirements for the shipment.
A Highly Regulated Air Cargo Category
DG shipments require the right airline and the right preparation.
Shipping dangerous goods by air is one of the most regulated areas of freight forwarding. It is also one of the areas where mistakes can be most costly.
airrate.com helps forwarders identify airlines that accept specific dangerous goods classifications on their target routes. This avoids spending time on carriers that cannot take the cargo.
IATA Dangerous Goods Classifications
Nine classes used to classify dangerous goods.
The correct classification determines packaging, documentation, handling requirements and airline acceptance.
1
Explosives
Materials and articles classified as explosive under the applicable dangerous goods requirements.
2
Gases
Flammable, non-flammable and toxic gases, including pressurized containers.
3
Flammable Liquids
Liquids capable of producing flammable vapours under specified conditions.
4
Flammable Solids
Flammable solids and substances liable to spontaneous combustion or reaction.
5
Oxidizing Substances
Oxidizers and organic peroxides that may contribute to combustion.
6
Toxic and Infectious
Toxic substances and infectious materials requiring controlled handling.
7
Radioactive Material
Regulated radioactive material subject to specialized controls.
8
Corrosives
Substances capable of causing severe damage to tissue or materials.
9
Miscellaneous DG
Other regulated dangerous goods, including many lithium battery shipments.
Common DG Cargo in Air Freight
Dangerous goods appear across many industries.
DG air freight is not limited to traditional chemicals. It also includes common commercial products and components.
Lithium Batteries
A frequent DG category in electronics and global e-commerce.
Aerosols
Aerosols and other pressurized containers requiring proper classification.
Chemicals and Solvents
Industrial chemicals, solvents and other regulated substances.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical products with properties that trigger DG requirements.
Paints and Adhesives
Paints, coatings and adhesives that may contain flammable or hazardous components.
IATA DGR Compliance
Five areas must align before airline acceptance.
Every DG air shipment requires correct preparation under the applicable dangerous goods regulations.
01
Classification
Confirm the correct class, division, UN number and applicable shipping description.
02
Packaging
Use packaging suitable for the material and the applicable packing instruction.
03
Marking
Display the required identification and shipment markings correctly.
04
Labelling
Apply the required hazard and handling labels to the package.
05
Declaration
Complete the shipper’s declaration and other required documents.
Key Things to Get Right
Compliance, acceptance and packaging.
These three areas determine whether the shipment can move on the selected carrier and aircraft.
IATA DGR Compliance
Every DG air shipment must follow the applicable dangerous goods requirements.
- Correct classification
- Correct marking and labels
- Complete declaration
Airline Acceptance
Not every airline accepts every dangerous goods class or classification.
- Carrier-specific restrictions
- Route-specific acceptance
- Passenger or CAO handling
Packaging
Incorrect packaging is a common reason for DG shipment rejection at airline check-in.
- Suitable approved packaging
- Correct hazard labels
- Required UN markings
Passenger Aircraft vs CAO
Some DG cargo can move only on dedicated freighter aircraft.
Airline acceptance may depend on the dangerous goods class, quantity, packaging and whether the cargo is permitted on a passenger aircraft.
CAO means Cargo Aircraft Only. The distinction should be clear before the booking is confirmed.
DG condition
Passenger aircraft
Cargo aircraft
Accepted DG classification
Carrier dependent
Carrier dependent
CAO restriction applies
Not permitted
Required option
Route acceptance
Must be confirmed
Must be confirmed
Documentation review
Required
Required
Why Forwarders Use airrate.com for DG
Find suitable airline options earlier in the process.
Search according to the route and cargo requirements before spending time on an unsuitable carrier.
Filter by DG Acceptance
Identify airline options according to the dangerous goods class and target route before booking.
Search Any Time
Search outside normal airline office hours when an urgent client request arrives.
Review Aircraft Options
See the distinction between passenger aircraft acceptance and Cargo Aircraft Only requirements.
Important compliance notice
The information on this page is a general commercial overview. It does not replace the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, carrier requirements, qualified DG personnel or formal shipment review. Classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation and acceptance must be confirmed for each shipment.
Search DG air freight rates on airrate.com.
Find airlines that may accept your cargo classification on the required route and review the available aircraft options.