Dangerous Goods Requirements for Domestic Air Transport

Dangerous Goods (DG) are an essential but tightly regulated part of Australia’s domestic air freight system. These shipments include materials that could pose risks to people, property, or aircraft if not handled correctly. Airlines and freight terminals—especially busy hubs like Sydney—follow strict protocols to manage DG safely. For broader insight into how domestic air logistics operates through the airport, see the overview on Air Freight Services Sydney Airport.

1. What Counts as Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous Goods include substances or items with hazardous properties. They are grouped into nine ICAO/IATA classes:

1. Explosives

2. Gases

3. Flammable liquids

4. Flammable solids

5. Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

6. Toxic and infectious substances

7. Radioactive materials

8. Corrosives

9. Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Many everyday commercial items fall under these categories—batteries, aerosols, chemicals, paints, dry ice, medical samples, and more.

2. Regulatory Framework for Domestic DG Transport

Australia follows the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which outline:

• Packaging requirements

• Shipper responsibilities

• Handling procedures

• Documentation rules

• Airline acceptance criteria

These standards apply across domestic routes, from metropolitan centres to regional airports.

3. Shipper Responsibilities

Businesses sending DG must meet strict compliance obligations, including:

• Properly classifying and identifying the goods

• Using approved, tested, and certified packaging

• Applying accurate labels and hazard markings

• Completing a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (if required)

• Ensuring all staff involved are DG-trained

Incorrect declarations or packaging can lead to shipment refusal, fines, or legal penalties.

4. Packaging and Labelling Requirements

DG packaging must be durable, leak-proof, and capable of protecting the contents under normal air transport conditions. Every package must include:

• Proper UN specification packaging

• Hazard labels and handling marks

• Correct UN numbers and proper shipping names

• Orientation arrows when applicable

Airlines will reject packages that show damage, incorrect labels, missing documentation, or poor compliance.

5. Carrier Acceptance and Screening

Before DG is loaded onto an aircraft, the airline must verify:

• Packaging integrity

• Correct labels and documentation

• Compatibility of goods within the same shipment

• Quantity limits per aircraft or per package

• Temperature and ventilation requirements

Some carriers impose stricter internal rules beyond IATA DGR.

6. Special Considerations for Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries remain one of the highest-risk DG categories. Requirements include:

• State-of-charge limits

• Short-circuit protection

• UN-approved packaging

• Clear lithium battery handling labels

• Restrictions on damaged or defective batteries

These rules apply whether the batteries are shipped alone, packed with equipment, or installed in equipment.

7. Dry Ice (UN 1845)

Dry ice is commonly used for cooling medical or biological cargo. While widely permitted, it requires:

• Ventilated packaging

• Correct markings

• Quantity declarations

• Attention to aircraft ventilation limits

Improper use can cause over-pressurization inside the packaging.

8. DG Not Accepted on Passenger Aircraft

Some DG items are restricted to cargo-only aircraft. These may include:

• Certain chemicals

• Toxic industrial materials

• High-risk oxidizers

• Large quantities of flammable liquids

Shippers must confirm the restrictions with the carrier before booking.

9. Best Practices for Businesses Shipping DG Domestically

To reduce delays and ensure compliance:

• Conduct accurate DG classification

• Use certified packaging suppliers

• Train staff regularly (IATA DG training)

• Verify airline-specific rules before sending

• Prepare documents early to meet cut-off times

• Separate DG from non-DG cargo when required

Proactive preparation is the safest way to keep operations smooth.