Dangerous Goods Shipping from UAE: IMDG, IATA & Compliance Guide

Shipping dangerous goods (DG) — also called hazardous materials or hazmat — from the UAE requires strict compliance with international regulations, precise documentation, and specialist handling at every stage of the supply chain. Non-compliance carries serious consequences: cargo rejection, vessel delays, fines, and in the worst cases, safety incidents that endanger crew, aircraft, and port workers.

This guide provides UAE exporters, importers, and logistics managers with a practical overview of dangerous goods shipping regulations, classification, documentation, and how to work with a compliant freight forwarder.

Dangerous goods are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. The definition is broader than many shippers realise — it includes not just obvious hazards like explosives and flammable liquids, but also everyday commercial products such as:

• Lithium batteries (in consumer electronics, EVs, and power tools)
• Aerosols and spray cans
• Perfumes and cosmetics containing alcohol
• Paints, varnishes, and adhesives
• Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants
• Compressed gases (including fire extinguishers)
• Magnetised materials
• Dry ice (used for temperature-controlled shipments)

If you're unsure whether your product qualifies as dangerous goods, consult a certified DG specialist before booking — misclassification is one of the most common and costly compliance failures.

Dangerous goods transport is governed by separate regulatory frameworks for each mode of transport. UAE shippers must comply with the relevant framework depending on whether cargo moves by sea, air, or road.

The IMDG Code, published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), governs the transport of dangerous goods by sea. It is mandatory for all international ocean freight shipments and is updated every two years.

The IMDG Code classifies dangerous goods into nine classes:

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) govern air transport of dangerous goods. Published annually by the International Air Transport Association, the IATA DGR is more restrictive than the IMDG Code — many substances permitted by sea are forbidden by air, and quantity limits are significantly lower.

Key differences for air transport:

• Many Class 1 (explosives) items are forbidden on passenger aircraft
• Lithium battery quantity and watt-hour limits are strictly enforced
• Flammable liquids have lower quantity thresholds
• Some substances forbidden on passenger aircraft are permitted on cargo-only aircraft

In addition to international frameworks, UAE shippers must comply with:

• UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the protection and development of the environment
• Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) regulations for hazardous waste and chemicals
• UAE Civil Defence requirements for storage and handling of flammable and hazardous materials
• Abu Dhabi Ports dangerous goods handling procedures for Khalifa Port and Zayed Port
• GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) regulations for air cargo

Correct classification is the foundation of DG compliance. Every dangerous good must be assigned:

UN Number: A four-digit number identifying the specific substance or article (e.g., UN 1203 for petrol, UN 3480 for lithium ion batteries).

Proper Shipping Name (PSN): The official name used in shipping documents (e.g., "FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S." or "LITHIUM ION BATTERIES").

Hazard Class and Division: The primary hazard class (1–9) and, where applicable, the division (e.g., Class 3, Class 6.1).

Packing Group (PG): Indicates the degree of danger — PG I (great danger), PG II (medium danger), PG III (minor danger). Not all classes have packing groups.

Subsidiary Hazard: Some substances have secondary hazards in addition to their primary class (e.g., a toxic substance that is also flammable).

For chemical products, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — formerly called MSDS — is the primary reference document for classification. Section 14 of the SDS contains transport information including UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group. Always obtain a current SDS from your supplier before shipping chemical products.

Dangerous goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging — containers that have been tested and approved to withstand the stresses of transport. UN certification markings on packaging indicate the type, performance level, and contents for which the packaging is approved.

Inner packaging: The immediate container holding the dangerous good (e.g., a glass bottle, plastic container).

Outer packaging: The external container providing structural protection (e.g., a fibreboard box, wooden crate).

Combination packaging: An inner packaging within an outer packaging — the most common configuration for small quantities.

Single packaging: A single container without inner packaging — used for larger quantities.

Both IMDG and IATA DGR specify maximum quantities per package. Exceeding these limits requires different packaging specifications or is prohibited entirely. For air transport, quantity limits are particularly restrictive — always verify limits before booking.

Small quantities of certain dangerous goods may qualify for simplified packaging and documentation requirements under Limited Quantity (LQ) or Excepted Quantity (EQ) provisions. These provisions significantly reduce compliance burden for small shipments of common consumer products.

Dangerous goods shipments require specific documentation in addition to standard commercial shipping documents.

The core DG document — a shipper's declaration certifying that the goods are properly classified, packed, marked, labelled, and in proper condition for transport. Must be:

• Completed by a trained and certified DG shipper
• Signed by the shipper (not the freight forwarder)
• Accurate and complete — errors can result in cargo rejection or legal liability

For sea freight, this is the Dangerous Goods Declaration per IMDG Code. For air freight, this is the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods per IATA DGR.

Required for chemical products. Must be current (within 3 years) and in English.

For sea freight, a packing certificate confirms that the container has been packed in accordance with IMDG Code requirements. Usually incorporated into the DGD.

Depending on the substance and destination:

• Import/export licences for controlled substances
• End-user certificates for dual-use goods
• Radioactive material transport documents (for Class 7)
• Competent Authority Approvals (CAA) for certain air shipments

Dangerous goods packages must be marked and labelled to communicate hazards to handlers throughout the supply chain.

• UN number (e.g., "UN 1993")
• Proper shipping name
• Consignor and consignee name and address
• Net quantity (for certain classes)
• Orientation arrows (for liquid-filled packages)

Diamond-shaped labels in standardised colours and symbols identify the hazard class. Labels must be durable, clearly visible, and correctly sized (minimum 100mm × 100mm for most applications).

For full containers of dangerous goods, large-format placards (250mm × 250mm) must be affixed to all four sides of the container.

The IMDG Code specifies stowage requirements (where on a vessel DG cargo may be placed) and segregation requirements (which classes of DG must be kept apart from each other and from foodstuffs). These requirements are the responsibility of the carrier and terminal operator, but shippers must provide accurate classification information to enable correct stowage planning.

For air freight, certain dangerous goods are restricted to cargo-only aircraft (CAO) and cannot travel on passenger flights. This must be declared on the Shipper's Declaration.

Shipping a dangerous good as general cargo — whether through ignorance or deliberate misdeclaration — is one of the most serious compliance failures. Consequences include cargo rejection, vessel delay, fines, and potential criminal liability. Lithium batteries are the most frequently misclassified commodity.

An incomplete DGD, missing SDS, or unsigned declaration will result in cargo rejection at the CFS or terminal. Corrections take time — often missing the vessel cut-off.

Using non-UN-certified packaging, exceeding quantity limits, or failing to apply correct markings and labels will result in rejection. Packaging must be inspected before cargo is tendered.

Some DG shipments require Competent Authority Approvals with expiry dates. Shipping on an expired approval is a compliance violation.

Dangerous goods compliance is complex and the consequences of errors are severe. Working with a freight forwarder whose staff hold current IMDG and IATA DG certifications is essential.

• Classification support: Reviewing your SDS and product specifications to confirm correct UN number, class, packing group, and proper shipping name
• Documentation preparation: Preparing the DGD, packing certificate, and coordinating with your team on the shipper's signature
• Packaging advice: Confirming UN-certified packaging requirements and sourcing approved packaging if needed
• Carrier booking: Identifying carriers that accept your specific DG commodity and securing appropriate stowage
• Customs coordination: Ensuring UAE export customs declarations correctly reflect DG status
• End-to-end tracking: Monitoring the shipment through to delivery with awareness of DG-specific handling requirements

Abu Dhabi's industrial base — petrochemicals, manufacturing, construction, and healthcare — generates significant volumes of dangerous goods requiring international transport. Khalifa Port and Abu Dhabi International Airport both have established DG handling infrastructure and experienced operators.

Kavalier Logistics holds current IMDG and IATA DG certifications and handles dangerous goods shipments by both sea and air from Abu Dhabi. Our team provides end-to-end DG compliance support — from initial classification review through to delivery at destination.

Contact our dangerous goods team:

• Phone: +971 2 553 8877
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Get a Quote

Learn more about our Ocean Freight Services and Air Freight Services, or explore our Customs Clearance Services for import and export compliance support.