Shipping hazardous materials isn’t just about ticking boxes. When you’re moving potentially dangerous goods from A to B, it’s about protecting people, property and the environment around you. 

According to UK government statistics, approximately 5% of all goods moved via road within the UK were declared as dangerous goods, that’s around 77 million tonnes. Failure to comply with safe handling procedures and compliant freight solutions can lead to serious fines, cargo seizures and even accidents in transit.

At Millennium Cargo, we help businesses ship hazardous materials safely, efficiently and with full regulatory compliance. From understanding hazardous materials to discovering the common setbacks businesses encounter when shipping them, this blog covers everything you need to know to get it right the first time. 

What Counts as a Hazardous Material?

The term ‘hazardous materials’ might conjure up images of explosives and flammable liquids, but some other common examples might surprise you. Many everyday goods, such as aerosols, paints, cleaning products, perfumes and lithium batteries also fall into this category. 

The UN Model Regulations classifies hazardous materials into nine key classes:

• Class 1: Explosives (e.g. fireworks)
• Class 2: Gases (e.g. aerosols, propane)
• Class 3: Flammable liquids (e.g. paint, fuel)
• Class 4: Flammable solids (e.g. matches)
• Class 5: Oxidising substances (e.g. bleach)
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive materials
• Class 8: Corrosives (e.g. battery acid)
• Class 9: Miscellaneous (e.g. lithium-ion batteries)

Lithium-ion batteries are a great example of a hazardous material that often flies under the radar – often with dire consequences. Many businesses don’t realise these batteries, which can be found in phones, power tools and laptops, require special handling and documentation for transport. 

The Rules: What You Need to Know

Hazardous goods can ignite, explode or leak during transit, especially if poorly packaged or handled incorrectly. Shipping hazardous materials is therefore a heavily regulated process. Here’s a rundown of the key regulations: 

• ADR. These rules govern the movement of dangerous goods via road in the UK and Europe. 
• IMDG. This code covers sea freight, ensuring safe handling and stowage on freight vessels.
• IATA. This is the global standard for shipping hazardous materials by air. 

To remain compliant with hazardous goods regulations, your shipment must have certified packaging appropriate to the hazard class, proper labelling and correct documentation. Documentation often includes a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These documents provide necessary handling and storage information for anyone involved in the shipping of the hazardous goods.

Failure to comply with the rules can cost businesses vast amounts of money. In 2016, retailer giant Amazon UK was fined £65,000 by the Civil Aviation Authority – and ordered to pay £60,000 in legal costs – after attempting to ship undeclared aerosols and lithium-ion batteries without the correct classification or documentation. 

Packaging, Labelling and Paperwork Essentials

When you’re shipping hazardous materials, accuracy is important. Here are the key requirements for shipping hazardous materials safely:

UN-Approved Packaging

Businesses must use containers and materials that have been tested and certified for the specific class of hazardous good.

Clear Labelling

Packages must display clearly marked labels that detail hazard class, UN numbers and handling marks. 

Correct Documentation

The SDS and DGN must be completed accurately and match the shipment exactly, and an emergency response contact must be submitted on relevant paperwork. Documents that highlight even the smallest of discrepancies, such as an incorrect quantity or vague product description, can result in a shipment being refused at customs. 

The Role of a Freight Forwarder in Hazardous Shipping

Working with a trusted freight forwarding partner isn’t just a nice-to-have when you’re shipping hazardous materials; it’s essential. A specialist forwarder like Millennium understands the complexities of transporting dangerous goods and can help you navigate regulations with ease, ensuring your goods arrive where they need to be on time and without stress.

We help clients by:

• Choosing safe, compliant and cost-effective carrier and route combinations.
• Managing regulation requirements for road, sea and air freight.
• Catching common mistakes, such as incorrect labels or missing SDS details, before they become bigger problems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Shipping Hazardous Materials

Even the most competent of shippers can make human mistakes. Let’s take a look at the most common errors when handling dangerous goods, and why they matter. 

Underdeclaring 

Some businesses make a conscious decision to downplay the nature or quantity of their goods to avoid costs or paperwork. This puts handlers, shippers and the business itself at risk and can lead to substantial fines, confiscation or prosecution.

Using Incorrect Packaging

Hazardous goods must be shipped in approved packaging that meets stringent safety standards. Using unsuitable packaging can lead to leaks, contamination or explosions during transit. 

Missing or Inaccurate Paperwork

Dangerous goods shipments must be accompanied by the correct paperwork – typically a SDS and a DGN. Small errors, unclear information or inaccurate details can cause issues at customs, delays and even shipment rejection. 

Choosing Inexperienced Agents and Carriers

Not every freight handler is trained to deal with hazardous goods. Using carriers who aren’t experienced in the area and don’t hold the correct certification can lead to mishandling, non-compliance and shipment refusal.

There’s a lot to get right when shipping hazardous materials. Partnering with a trusted forwarder like Millennium Cargo means you can rest assured your consignment will get to its destination safely, legally and on time. 

Shipping Hazardous Materials Just Got Easier

There are strict rules and serious consequences for non-compliance when you’re shipping hazardous materials. But it doesn’t have to be stressful, or risky, if you partner with a forwarder who knows what they’re doing. 

If your business handles hazardous goods, let’s make sure your shipments stay safe, legal and on schedule. Contact Millennium Cargo today for expert advice and a no-obligation consultation.