Specialist Cargo
Dangerous Goods Packaging & the DGD Certificate
Shipping hazardous cargo isn’t just a matter of careful handling — every dangerous goods movement has to be classified, packed, marked and documented to a strict standard before a carrier will accept it. The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is the certificate that proves all of that has been done. Atrax packages dangerous goods for every mode of transport and assists with issuing the DGD so your cargo clears for international shipment.
What a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is
The DGD is a formal certificate, signed by the shipper, declaring that a consignment of dangerous goods has been correctly classified, packaged, marked and labelled for transport. It’s a requirement for moving hazardous cargo internationally — without it, airlines, shipping lines and freight forwarders won’t accept the load. The declaration records what the goods are, their UN number and hazard class, how they’re packed and how much is being shipped, so everyone in the chain knows exactly what they’re handling. Atrax assists with issuing the DGD as part of preparing your shipment.
Why the (M)SDS comes first
Before anything can be classified or packed, you need the (M)SDS — the Material Safety Data Sheet for the substance. It’s a detailed document setting out the product’s properties, its hazards, and the correct procedures for handling, storage and emergencies. The (M)SDS is what determines how the goods must be classified and packaged, so it’s the starting point for the whole process. If you don’t have one for your product, that’s the first thing to sort out.
At a glance
Dangerous goods by transport mode
Each mode of transport has its own rulebook for dangerous goods:
• Sea — the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)
• Air — the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
• Road — national road transport regulations for hazardous goods
The classification, packaging and paperwork all have to match the rules for the mode you’re shipping by.
Packaging, marking and labelling
Dangerous goods have to be packed in approved packaging suited to the hazard class, then marked and labelled so the danger is obvious at a glance — hazard labels, the UN number and the proper shipping name all have to be displayed correctly. Get the packaging or labelling wrong and the shipment is rejected, delayed or, worse, becomes a safety risk in transit. Atrax packages dangerous goods to the relevant standard for every mode, so the cargo is compliant before it leaves your hands.
How Atrax handles your hazardous cargo
Atrax manages the full dangerous-goods process: working from your (M)SDS to classify the goods, packing them in compliant packaging, marking and labelling correctly, and assisting with the DGD certificate needed for international transport. That means your hazardous cargo is handled, packaged and documented in line with all the relevant safety regulations, by one team, from start to finish.
Related service
Hazardous Cargo Handling
From classification and compliant packaging to the DGD certificate, Atrax moves dangerous goods safely and legally across sea, air and road.
Get a free quote
Shipping dangerous goods?
Send us your (M)SDS and shipment details and we’ll come back within 24 hours with a compliant packaging and clearance plan, plus an all-in quote.