Shipping Dangerous Goods by Air: What You Need to Know
Not all cargo is straightforward. Lithium batteries, chemicals, flammable liquids, biological substances, and radioactive materials all fall under dangerous goods regulations for air transport.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) — the global standard that every airline and handler must follow.
Shipping dangerous goods by air without proper classification, packaging, marking, and documentation is not just risky. It is illegal and can result in substantial fines.
The process starts with correct classification. Every dangerous substance has a UN number and a packing group that determines how it must be packaged and labelled.
Documentation must include a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, completed accurately. A single error on this form can ground your shipment.
At LETT 2000, we have two team members with current IATA DGR training certificates. They handle the classification, documentation, and coordination with airlines for dangerous goods shipments through Riga Airport.
Common dangerous goods we handle include lithium batteries (UN3481, UN3091), paint and adhesives, perfume and cosmetics with alcohol content, dry ice, and diagnostic specimens.
If you are unsure whether your shipment qualifies as dangerous goods, ask before you ship. Many everyday products — power banks, aerosol sprays, certain cleaning agents — are classified as dangerous goods for air transport.
Proper handling is not optional. It is a safety requirement that protects everyone in the supply chain.
