Shipping dangerous goods by air demands absolute rigour when it comes to regulatory compliance. Every year, thousands of hazardous materials shipments travel by air between Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. For businesses shipping chemicals, lithium batteries or flammable substances, understanding IATA dangerous goods regulations and the obligations tied to hazardous air cargo is a genuine competitive advantage.
In this guide, you will discover:
- the regulations governing the air shipment of dangerous goods in Canada
- the 9 classes of dangerous goods according to the UN classification system
- the packaging, labelling and documentation requirements for air freight
- the responsibilities of the shipper and the freight broker
- how Trans-Inter Logistik coordinates your shipments of regulated materials by air
What Is a Dangerous Good in Air Transport?
A dangerous good refers to any article or substance that may pose a risk to health, personal safety, property or the environment when transported by air. Transporting these regulated materials by air is the most strictly controlled shipping mode, due to the heightened risks associated with altitude, pressurization and cabin confinement.
Difference Between Hazardous Materials and Regulated Goods
Not all hazardous materials are automatically prohibited from air freight. The distinction depends on the product’s classification based on its UN number, its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the quantity being shipped. Some products considered dangerous by road are not necessarily classified the same way for air transport, and vice versa. A shipper must consult Section 14 of the SDS (also known as the MSDS) to determine whether their product falls under air transport regulations.
Why the Air Freight of Dangerous Goods Is More Heavily Regulated
Shipping hazardous materials by air presents the highest risk of damage in the event of an incident, compared to other transport modes. Authorized volumes, package sizes and accepted substance types are more restricted than for ocean freight or road transport. Certain dangerous goods are entirely prohibited aboard an aircraft, while others may only travel on cargo-only flights (CAO) and not on passenger aircraft (PAX).
Regulations Governing the Transportation of Dangerous Goods on Aircraft in Canada
The regulatory framework that governs the shipment of hazardous materials by air rests on multiple layers of legislation. In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, and its associated regulations (TDGR) form the legal foundation. These regulations incorporate by reference the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, which establish the rules applicable to both domestic and international flights.
The Role of ICAO in the Air Transport of Hazardous Materials
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the authority that publishes the reference document: the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284). This normative framework serves as the basis for all national regulations. Every person involved in the shipment of hazardous air cargo whether the shipper, the air carrier, the freight broker or the ground handling agent, must comply with it.
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for Hazardous Air Cargo
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the world’s major airlines, publishes the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR). This manual, based on the ICAO Technical Instructions, details the responsibilities of each party in the air shipping chain. The IATA regulations cover the classification, packaging, marking, labelling and documentation required for any shipment of dangerous substances by air.
Transport Canada and the TDGR for Air Shipments
At the federal level, Transport Canada administers and enforces the requirements related to shipping dangerous goods by air. Part 12 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) specifically addresses air transport requirements. Transport Canada’s regional offices for aviation and dangerous goods oversee enforcement of these standards across Canadian territory. In the event of an emergency involving dangerous goods, the CANUTEC centre (1-888-CAN-UTEC) provides technical assistance.
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The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods in Air Freight
The classification of dangerous goods for air transport follows the United Nations harmonized system. Each hazardous material is identified by a specific UN number and assigned to one of the 9 categories based on the nature of the risk it presents. This classification determines the packaging, labelling and transport conditions applicable to each air freight shipment.
Class 1: Explosives and Air Transport
Explosives represent the most restricted category for shipment by air. Only materials classified under Division 1.4S can generally be accepted on a flight, and only with prior approval from the airline.
Class 2: Flammable and Non-Flammable Gases
This class covers compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases. Division 2.1 includes flammable gases, Division 2.2 covers non-flammable and non-toxic gases, and Division 2.3 addresses toxic gases. Acceptance conditions for air freight vary by division and quantity.
Class 3: Flammable Liquids by Air
Flammable liquids, such as certain solvents, paints and adhesives, are frequently shipped by air transport. Their acceptance depends on the flash point and the packing group assigned to the substance.
Class 4: Flammable Solids and Reactive Materials
This category includes flammable solids (4.1), substances liable to spontaneous combustion (4.2) and materials that are dangerous when in contact with water (4.3). Shipping these materials by air requires specific UN-compliant packaging.
Class 5: Oxidizers and Organic Peroxides
Oxidizers (5.1) and organic peroxides (5.2) require particular attention when shipping by air. Organic peroxides generally need prior approval to be accepted on a flight.
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances
Toxic substances (6.1) and infectious materials (6.2) are subject to specific restrictions in air transport. Biological samples and diagnostic substances are regularly shipped by air freight in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
Class 7: Radioactive Materials in Air Freight
Transporting radioactive materials by air is subject to strict requirements and approval from the competent authorities. Excepted quantities follow simplified procedures, but documentation and packaging remain rigorously controlled.
Class 8: Corrosive Materials and Air Shipment
Acids, bases and corrosive substances may be transported by air, provided they meet UN packaging requirements and the quantity limits prescribed by IATA regulations.
Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
This category encompasses substances that do not fall under the other classes but present a risk during air transport. Lithium batteries, magnetized materials and dry ice (UN1845) fall under this classification.
Lithium Batteries: A Major Challenge When Shipping Dangerous Goods by Air
Lithium batteries are one of the most frequently shipped and most heavily regulated categories in hazardous air freight. With the growth of e-commerce and the proliferation of electronic devices, the volume of shipments of lithium-ion batteries (UN3481) and lithium metal batteries (UN3091) continues to rise.
Types of Lithium Batteries in Air Freight
Batteries contained in equipment, packed with equipment or shipped on their own are subject to different requirements. Batteries packed alone present the highest risk and are often limited to cargo aircraft only. The shipper’s declaration form (Section II for lithium batteries) must accompany each shipment.
Risks and Precautions for Shipping Lithium Batteries by Air
The fire risk associated with lithium battery overheating has led to tighter air transport regulations in recent years. Packaging must protect batteries against short circuits and physical damage. The state of charge, watt-hour (Wh) capacity and lithium weight determine the conditions for acceptance on a passenger or cargo flight.
Packaging Dangerous Goods for Air Transport
Packaging is a fundamental requirement when shipping hazardous materials by air. Unlike other transport modes, packaging intended for air freight must meet stricter specifications in terms of strength and leak resistance.
UN-Approved Packaging for Air Freight
All containers used for the shipment of dangerous goods by air must comply with UN packaging standards. Combination packages, consisting of an inner packaging placed within an outer packaging, must pass the drop tests and stacking tests prescribed by the ICAO Technical Instructions.
Limited Quantities and Packaging in Air Transport
The provisions for limited quantities apply to air transport but with stricter requirements than for road transport or ocean freight. Limited quantity packaging must withstand a 1.2-metre drop test without leaking and endure a 24-hour stacking test without rupture. These specifications are designed to ensure package integrity throughout the entire air journey.
Marking and Labelling Dangerous Goods Packages for Air Freight
Every package containing dangerous goods bound for air transport must bear the regulatory marks and labels in compliance with IATA regulations. Marking includes the UN number, the proper shipping name, and the name and address of both the shipper and consignee. Hazard labels visually identify the risk class and enable ground handling agents to apply the appropriate safety procedures.
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Documentation Required for Shipping Dangerous Goods by Air
Documentation is a critical element of compliance for hazardous air cargo. Any error in shipping documents can result in cargo rejection, costly delays or regulatory penalties.
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) for Air Freight
The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is the primary document the shipper must complete for every shipment of hazardous materials by air. This form attests that the goods have been properly classified, packaged, marked and labelled in accordance with IATA regulations. The DGD accompanies the Air Waybill (AWB) and must be retained by the carrier.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Air Transport
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), also referred to as MSDS, is the document provided by the manufacturer or supplier of the substance. Section 14 of the SDS identifies the regulatory requirements specific to each transport mode, including aviation. This document helps determine the UN number, the hazard class, the packing group and the restrictions applicable to air freight.
Notification to the Air Carrier and IATA Registration
All dangerous goods shipments requiring a DGD must be registered with the airline prior to loading. This notification allows the carrier to verify the compatibility of the cargo with other goods on board and to apply the required separation procedures. The shipper must also provide an emergency telephone number accessible at all times.
Shipper Responsibilities When Shipping Dangerous Goods by Air
The shipper bears primary responsibility for the compliance of their hazardous materials shipments by air. In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, imposes strict obligations on any person who offers for transport or causes the transport of regulated substances.
Mandatory Training for Shipping Hazardous Materials by Air
The Canadian government requires that every person involved in the preparation or shipment of dangerous goods complete appropriate training. Since 2023, the ICAO Technical Instructions mandate a competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) approach. This training covers the classification, packaging, marking, labelling and documentation of hazardous materials for air freight.
Shipper’s Classification and Packaging Obligations
It is the shipper’s responsibility to certify that the dangerous goods have been properly classified, packaged and designated according to the applicable regulations. The choice of container depends on the hazard class, packing group, package size and transport mode. UN-compliant containers are internationally recognized and accepted across all modes, including intermodal transportation.
Passenger Aircraft or Cargo Aircraft for Dangerous Goods?
The choice between a passenger aircraft (PAX) and a cargo aircraft (CAO) is a decisive factor for the shipment of dangerous goods by air freight. The quantity, hazard class and substance type dictate this decision.
Restrictions on Transporting Hazardous Materials on Passenger Aircraft
Passenger flights impose stricter quantity limits for dangerous goods. Certain substances — such as radioactive materials in large quantities or flammable liquids beyond a specified volume — are exclusively reserved for cargo aircraft. Lithium batteries packed alone are also prohibited on passenger flights.
Advantages of Cargo Aircraft for Hazardous Air Freight
Cargo aircraft allow the transport of larger volumes and a broader range of dangerous goods. Handling and separation conditions are optimized for regulated materials. For urgent shipments of dangerous substances, Trans-Inter Logistik identifies the fastest cargo flight options through its network of air carriers.
Cross-Border Shipping of Dangerous Goods by Air
Air shipments of dangerous goods between Canada and the United States are subject to dual regulations. Both the Canadian TDGR and the American 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) must be respected. Trans-Inter Logistik has in-depth knowledge of cross-border requirements and facilitates coordination between Canadian and American standards.
Harmonization Between the TDGR and 49 CFR for Air Freight
Canada and the United States work toward harmonizing their regulations on shipping dangerous goods. The TDGR allows the use of certain hazard indicators that conform to the 49 CFR for North American shipments. American hazard labels and placards are generally accepted in Canada under reciprocity between the two countries, with the exception of Classes 2.3 (toxic gases) and 6.1 (toxic substances).
Coordinating International Air Shipments of Hazardous Materials
For overseas shipments, the ICAO Technical Instructions serve as the international reference framework. Each country may apply additional national requirements, known as State variations. The freight broker plays an essential role in identifying these variations and ensuring compliance of shipping documents for international destinations, particularly for businesses that import from Asia.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Transporting Dangerous Goods on Aircraft
What dangerous goods are prohibited in air transport?
Certain materials are entirely prohibited on any type of aircraft, regardless of packaging method. These include certain high-risk explosives, unstable self-reactive substances and materials that emit toxic gases under normal transport conditions. The complete list of prohibitions can be found in the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IATA DGR.
Can a freight broker handle dangerous goods shipments by air?
A specialized freight broker coordinates the entire shipping logistics process: air carrier selection, documentation verification, flight planning and cargo tracking. Trans-Inter Logistik works with carriers that accept dangerous goods and ensures every shipment meets IATA regulations and Canadian TDGR requirements.
What training is required to ship dangerous goods by air in Canada?
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act requires appropriate training for any person who prepares, packages or offers hazardous materials for transport. Since 2023, this training must follow a competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) approach in compliance with the ICAO Technical Instructions. Training programs must be approved by Transport Canada.
How do I know if my product is regulated for air transport?
Consult your product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Section 14 (Transport). If the product is identified as subject to IATA regulations, it is considered a dangerous good for air freight. Your freight broker can help you determine the applicable classification and shipping conditions.
Is dry ice a dangerous good in air freight?
Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, UN1845) is classified under Category 9 of dangerous goods. It is frequently used as a refrigerant for temperature-controlled shipments. Its packaging must allow for the release of gas to prevent any pressure build-up. The notation “Dry Ice, 9, UN1845” along with the weight must appear on the Air Waybill and on the outer packaging.
What is the emergency number for dangerous goods incidents in Canada?
CANUTEC is the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre operated by Transport Canada. In the event of an incident involving dangerous goods, call 1-888-CAN-UTEC (226-8832), 613-996-6666 or *666 on a cellular phone.
