What Are the Dangerous Goods Classifications?

Dangerous goods classification is described as goods which are inherently poisonous in nature and cannot be transported in a secure way. Classification of dangerous goods by IATA is based on the safety features of the goods, their suitability for handling, their impact on public security and their mode of transportability. The classification is further divided into two categories based on the Type of risk goods or substances present:

Explosive goods classifications are divided into nine categories depending upon the characteristics of the item that could result in its own explosion. Gas: Gases include chlorotic and oxalic acid, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen, which may explode when subjected to elevated temperatures. Flammables: Flammables contain acetylene, ethylenediamine, hydrogen cyanide, sulfuric acid, acetone, nitroglycerin, nitrogen trifluoride, and potassium chlorate. Flammables can also include hydrocarbons, oxidizing agents, corrosive solvents, phosphorous vapors, nitrogen dioxide, nitrous oxide and xenon.

There is also the Dangerous Goods Classification List (DMCL). Which is a list of hazardous goods supplied for export and import purposes under the United States Trade Act of 1970. The DMCL Includes the classes of hazardous materials listed from the United States Department of State.

Another useful classification is that the Transportation and Security classification of goods (TSGC), that comprises four main types of products used for the transportation of products. These include the goods subject to the TCPR, TSCA, TGA and EPA.

Another classification is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), that is responsible for the regulation of the transport of dangerous goods by air and sea. The ICAO Classification of Dangerous Goods (CDG) defines the classification of freight or aircraft-carrying goods, the identification of items that needs to be announced on transport documents, and the processes for reporting freight offenses. And violations of shipping laws. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is in charge of establishing national safety guidelines to decrease the risks of goods being shipped by air.

There are also other organizations such as the US-Australia-NZ Group of Specialized Pros (USGSE) and the United States Board for Laboratory Services (USBLOS) offering advice on various hazardous materials and their classification. The CDG provides more comprehensive information regarding international classification than the other two groups.

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