Dangerous Goods Basic Information

Dangerous goods (DG) are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. We differentiate 9 different classes of Dangerous Goods:

Class 1: Explosives

Class 2: Gases

Class 3: Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances, Organic Peroxides

Class 6: Toxic Substances and Infectious Substances

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Class 8: Corrosives

Class 9: Batteries

Requirements

MSDS: A material safety data sheet must be available for the product, If product content can harm people, environment or operations.

UN Number: Each individual dangerous good (there are over 3000) is identifiable by the UN Number, which is a four-digit number that identifies hazardous materials, and articles in the framework of international transport. Some hazardous substances have their own UN numbers, while sometimes groups of chemicals or products with similar properties receive a common UN number.

ADR

For transport and shipping there are different sets of rules that can be applied. We are mostly working with the ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route). ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It includes a special procedure in road traffic related packaging, cargo insurance and labeling of dangerous goods.

From which countries can you currently send DG with Byrd: 

- Germany (DPD, GLS, DHL)

- Austria (DPD, GLS)

- France (chronopost, colissimo)

- UK (RoyalMail)

- Italy (Poste IT, BRT)

Limited Quantities

For most of the UN Numbers, there is a special provision that allows easier transport, which is called limited quantities. The rules apply, if

• The DG is packed in an inner and outer box,

• the quantity is below the max. provided by the ADR,

• the parcel is marked as limited quantity by the respective label,

• the total parcel weight is below 30 kg

• arrow sticker is indicating how the parcel needs to be placed.

Note that for each UN Number, different rules apply. 

Dangerous goods in the EU 

The international transport of dangerous goods on land is governed by agreements drawn up by the relevant international bodies. They are regularly updated to keep pace with technical progress and improve safety.

The EU converts these rules into specific directives which apply to all transport in the EU, both within and across national borders. Find more information on the European Commission's website.