If you’re exporting goods from Australia that are classified as dangerous, there’s one document you can’t afford to get wrong, the Dangerous Goods Declaration.
This declaration isn’t just a formality. It’s a legal requirement that ensures your cargo is identified, packed, labelled and documented correctly before being shipped by air, road or sea. Mistakes or missing information can lead to costly delays, rejections, fines or worse, serious safety risks.
At DG Solutions Australia, we help exporters get their paperwork spot on, so shipments move smoothly and stay compliant every step of the way.
What Is a Dangerous Goods Declaration?
A Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is a standard form used to declare that the goods being shipped are classified as hazardous under IATA (for air freight) or IMDG (for sea freight) regulations.
It includes key information like:
- UN number and proper shipping name
- Class and packing group
- Quantity and type of packaging
- Shipper’s declaration and signature
- Confirmation that the shipment complies with all applicable regulations
If you’re exporting lithium batteries, chemicals, aerosols or other controlled items, you’ll almost certainly need a DGD.
Who Needs to Provide It?
If you’re the shipper, whether you're a manufacturer, distributor or exporter, you are responsible for ensuring the declaration is complete and accurate.
Some freight forwarders will help you prepare the DGD, but in most cases, you still carry the legal responsibility. That’s why many exporters rely on DG professionals like us to handle it properly.
When Do You Need One?
You’ll need a Dangerous Goods Declaration before your goods are handed over to the carrier, whether it’s an airline or shipping line. Without it, your cargo won’t be accepted.
Each declaration must match the mode of transport:
- IATA Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods – for air freight
- IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration – for sea freight
- Road DG Declaration
They’re similar in purpose, but the requirements, layout and acceptable terminology differ. It’s important to use the right one for the job.
Common Mistakes Exporters Make
We’ve seen it all and fixed it all. Some of the most common errors Australian exporters make include:
- Using incorrect UN numbers or outdated regulations
- Failing to sign or certify the document
- Mismatching labels with the declaration
- Assuming the freight forwarder is responsible every time
- Using air freight terms on a sea freight document (or vice versa)
Any of these mistakes can trigger rejections, storage charges or safety incidents. That’s why attention to detail is everything when it comes to DG documentation.
How DG Solutions Australia Can Help
Contact DG Solutions Australia today for expert advice and fast turnaround on all your DG documentation needs.