The shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods is a crucial document that must be attached when shipping hazardous products. It helps ensure the safe loading and unloading of sensitive packages, preventing accidents from occurring in transit or during handling by carriers who will transport them to their destination safely.
The dangerous goods declaration (DGD) form contains crucial information about the nature of the shipment, packaging instructions, etc., in addition to basic shipping details. This data helps ensure that shippers handle the package with extra care.
Shipper’s Declaration
Everything that may be harmful to the environment if not managed correctly is considered hazardous. To inform all relevant authorities dealing with the shipment directly or indirectly, such items need an official shipper’s declaration.
There are nine types of dangerous goods in shipping, and knowing each one will help the consigners safely transport the items.
1. Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides
2. Gases
3. Flammable liquids
4. Flammable solids
5. Spontaneously combustible substances
6. Toxic and infectious substances
7. Radioactive items and materials
8. Corrosive items
9. Other dangerous substances
The UN number is a crucial piece of information for any business that ships dangerous goods.
This system allows shippers to refer specifically which items on their list should not be shipped without extra precautions, such as insulation or packaging techniques in order prevent accidents during transport.
The declaratory wording also confirms that the package meets all of the necessary national and international laws relating to the transportation of items. It also warns shipping officials to handle the shipment with care since it contains dangerous goods that might be harmful.
Apart from the basic shipment information, the declaration includes vital details adequate for any shipper to identify the nature of the goods. Here are some of the details.
- The UN number of the product
- Quantity of the product
- Nature of the item– whether radioactive or not
- Division or class of the product (category)
- The product’s exact name
- Extra contact details of the shipper in case of an emergency
- Dangerous goods packing group– I, II, or III
- Total weight of the package and net weight of the goods
- Any other information and instructions, if required
- Contact details and address of the consignor and the consignee
Depending on the mode of transportation, the shipment procedure must follow different sets of standards and rules.
The regulations for transporting hazardous goods are very strict and every individual shipping the same must declare themselves with an attachment of dangerous good data form (DGD).
Alternatively, shippers might utilize the e-DGD service to enter all relevant information and pass it on to various stakeholders such as freight forwarders, ground handlers, and other third-party individuals. This method allows for greater data quality while also lowering errors. Other advantages of this solution include increased transparency and a considerable decrease in mistakes.
The requirements for shipping goods by water differ somewhat. In that scenario, the consignors must follow the rules of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations Code (IMDG Code). The terms of the DGR and IMDG Code must be followed when transporting items via roadways or railways.
Who Signs a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods?
The bottom of the DGD has a special section that is unique to it. Only the consignor must sign and date the document, but there’s an exception if it’s delivered via other means such as EDI or EDP. In this scenario, if the document is sent by another method like EDI or EDP, the shipper’s name (in capitals) may be handwritten in its place of a signature. Only people who have received US DOT hazmat training can pack and sign the shipper declaration.
How to Fill up a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods
Individuals may get further information by consulting the DGR, which has comprehensive packing instructions, its scope, and other vital details. Here’s how to fill each part of the form.
- The shipper must fill out the section with their address, name and phone number
- The air waybill number and number of pages must be filled out with what is provided by the international airline shipping the goods
- The consignee’s information must be included in the form
- The transportation section must be verified for compliance with cargo aircraft or both cargo and passenger aircraft
- The airport of departure and destination must be included
- It must be noted if the shipment includes radioactive materials.
FAQs
How to Fill the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods for Goods Transported by Sea?
To transport dangerous goods by sea, shippers must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. This code includes rules for labeling, packing, and storing dangerous goods to be transported by ocean freight.
The shipping party must fill out the International Maritime Organization (IMO) DGD. Additionally, they must submit the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Is a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods Required for Category B Air Shipments?
The DGD of the shipper is not required for air shipments under Category B.
What is Shipper’s Declaration for Articles not Regulated as Dangerous Goods used for?
The shipper’s declaration for non-regulated goods has green edges to differentiate it from dangerous goods. It assures that the products are not mistaken for hazardous substances, and the shipment is completed as quickly as possible.
Is a Shipper’s Declaration Required while Shipping Accepted Quantities of Dangerous Goods?
When sending particular permitted quantities of hazardous items, a shipper’s declaration is not required. The IMDG Code and IATA have charts dedicated to expected quantities. These are quantity restrictions below which the specified goods can be carried without a shipper’s declaration.
Who is accountable for the DGD?
The consignor or shipper is responsible for signing and completing the DGD.
What documentation is required for dangerous goods?
The air waybill and the declaration for dangerous goods are required documents for each hazardous goods shipment.