When it comes to shipping dangerous goods in Australia, getting the details wrong can land you in serious trouble. From missed labels to the wrong packaging, these mistakes are more common than you think. At DG Solutions, we work with exporters, freight forwarders and logistics teams across the country and we see the same issues pop up again and again.
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when transporting dangerous goods and how you can avoid them.
1. Not classifying your dangerous goods correctly
This one’s right at the top for a reason. If you do not correctly identify what you are shipping, your paperwork will be wrong, your packaging might be wrong and your shipment could be refused or delayed.
Every dangerous good must be assigned:
- A UN number
- A proper shipping name
- A dangerous goods class (and subsidiary risk if required)
- A packing group
Tip: Make sure you are using the current edition of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. If you are unsure, ask an expert. Misclassifying items like lithium batteries or aerosols is more common than you think.
2. Using the wrong packaging
Dangerous goods need to be packed properly to meet compliance. You cannot just use any box. Packages must meet UN performance standards and be suited to the type of material being sent.
If your packaging leaks or fails in transit, the consequences can be serious.
Tip: Always refer to the relevant packing instruction. Some products need absorbent material or pressure relief. If you are not sure, check the packing instruction or speak with someone who knows what they are doing.
3. Poor or missing labelling
Incorrect or missing labels are a major reason why shipments are held up. Labels must be the right size, placed properly and clearly show the correct hazard class.
Too many businesses rely on old labels or stick them in the wrong spot. That is a fast way to get pulled up at the depot.
Tip: Use durable labels that meet Australian requirements. Labels should be at least 100 millimetres and placed on a visible surface. Do not forget handling labels like “Cargo Aircraft Only” or “Keep Away from Heat” where needed.
4. Incomplete or incorrect documentation
One of the most common issues is documentation that does not match the shipment. That includes:
- Missing or incorrect dangerous goods declarations
- Wrong UN numbers
- Not listing quantities or signing the declaration
Tip: Make sure your Shipper’s Declaration matches the actual contents. Use the correct transport document for the mode of freight. If you are using a freight forwarder, double check their paperwork too.
5. No training or expired certification
In Australia, anyone involved in handling, packing or preparing dangerous goods needs to be trained. If your team has not done recent training, they could be putting your business at risk.
6. Not checking carrier or airline rules
Even if your paperwork is spot on, the airline or shipping line might still say no. Carriers often have their own rules on packaging, segregation or battery limits, especially for air freight.
Tip: Always check carrier specific rules before booking your shipment. What is allowed on one airline might not be accepted on another.
7. Ignoring quantity limits
Dangerous goods often have quantity limits per package or per transport unit. Exceeding these can lead to rejections or worse, a serious safety issue.
Tip: Look up the applicable packing instruction and check for quantity limits. This applies especially to Limited Quantities, Excepted Quantities and consumer goods.