Dangerous Goods Shipping & Hazardous Goods Shipping: The Complete Guide for Businesses

If you sell products online and ship orders regularly, you’ve likely heard about dangerous goods shipping or hazardous materials. But what does that really mean?

This guide will help you understand what counts as dangerous or hazardous goods, how they’re classified, and how to ship them in a compliant manner. Whether you run a Shopify store, sell on Etsy or Amazon, or use a fulfillment center, this guide is for you.

What Are Dangerous and Hazardous Goods in Shipping?

Dangerous goods are items that can cause harm if not handled or shipped properly. They may be explosive, flammable, toxic, or corrosive—making them risky to ship.

Common examples include:

• Lithium batteries and lithium ion batteries in electronics
• Flammable gas and combustible liquids like nail polish or aerosol sprays
• Corrosive materials such as acids and drain cleaners
• Infectious substances like regulated medical waste

These items are listed in the hazardous materials table under various hazard classes. Failing to comply with applicable laws and federal hazardous materials regulations can lead to delays, fines, or rejected shipments.

To simplify the process, Easyship offers an SDS exemption for common consumer electronics with embedded lithium-ion batteries (PI 967) under 100Wh, thereby allowing sellers to skip documentation checks for eligible items and start shipping faster.

Dangerous Goods Classifications: The 9 Hazard Classes Explained

All hazardous materials shipments fall into one of nine hazard class categories, defined by their physical properties and transport risks.

Tip: Always use the hazardous materials table and follow 49 CFR to find the correct proper shipping name, hazard class, and identification number.

How to Ship Dangerous Goods? 

You can ship dangerous goods as long as you follow protocol and have all the required documentation. Here, we’ve listed the 3 key aspects of shipping hazardous goods: responsibilities of the shipper and the carrier, packaging requirements, and labelling protocol.

1. Key Responsibilities of Shippers and Carriers

There are responsibilities unique to each, the shipper and the carrier.

Shippers must:

• Use proper identification, classify goods, and select the right packing group
• Apply accurate labeling requirements
• Use compliant non-specification packaging if allowed
• Train staff according to training requirements in federal regulations

Carriers must:

• Confirm packages are properly labeled
• Ensure secure outer packaging and placarding
• File incident reports for hazardous substances

Note: If you fail to properly classify and declare your shipment, the official US government icon won’t save you from penalties. You’re responsible, not your courier.

2. Packaging Requirements: How to Prepare Dangerous Goods for Shipment

Your packaging must be:

• Leak-proof, pressure-tested, and resistant to impact
• Compliant with manufacturer’s instructions
• Labeled with the correct basic description from 49 CFR 172.202
• Matched with the product’s packing group (I = high danger, III = low danger)

Always include:

• Safety devices for flammable products
• Moisture-resistant liners for combustible liquids
• Internal separators to avoid contact between incompatible items

3. Labeling, Marking & Placarding: What Your Shipment Must Display

Every hazardous materials package needs:

• Proper shipping name
• Identification number (UN/NA)
• Hazard class labels (e.g., flammable, toxic)
• Emergency contact information
• Markings visible on all sides

If shipping large loads, add:

• Placards for the truck or container
• Signs for highway route controlled quantity if carrying radioactive materials

Tip: Don’t obscure labels or place them over tape. Improper marking is one of the most common violations cited by emergency responders and inspectors.

Required Documentation: Papers, Declarations, and Emergency Contact Info

You must complete and retain:

• Shipping papers with full product info and hazard class
• A signed hazmat declaration
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with chemical details and handling instructions
• A 24/7 emergency phone number monitored by trained staff

Example: A seller shipping flammable perfume should list “UN1266, Perfumery Products, Class 3, PG II” on the commercial invoice and attach the SDS.

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Who Regulates Dangerous Goods Shipping & When Do the Rules Apply?

Shipping rules come from the United States Department of Transportation, enforced through 49 CFR Parts 100–185, also known as the hazardous materials regulations.

Other authorities include:

• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air shipments
• IMDG Code for sea shipments
• ICAO Technical Instructions (International Civil Aviation Organization)

These apply to all businesses transporting hazardous materials in commerce. That includes sellers using ground shipments, air transportation, or cross-border shipping.

Additionally, different courier companies might also have their own shipping restrictions and rules, so it’s important to check that your shipments comply with what is allowed.

Cost of Shipping Hazardous Materials with Major Couriers

Shipping hazmat items comes with extra fees due to added risks and handling needs.

You cannot ship batteries with USPS internationally. For safe transport, most eCommerce sellers use FedEx or UPS, especially for air transportation. The country you’re shipping to might also have their own restrictions. For countries with strict shipping restrictions, ensure that you follow all the required compliance measures.

Another thing worth noting is that Easyship offers an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) exemption for certain low-risk consumer electronics that contain lithium-ion batteries embedded in the product, such as smartphones, laptops, or wireless earbuds. If the battery is under 100Wh and packed within the device (PI 967), sellers can skip the SDS review to speed up shipping setup—making it easier to ship everyday tech without delays or extra paperwork.

Security Plans, Permits, and Registration Requirements

If you ship:

• Hazardous waste
• Poison inhalation hazard materials
• Large quantities of cryogenic liquids

You may need:

• DOT hazardous materials registration
• A Hazardous Materials Safety Permit
• A written Security Plan and team training

Best Practices for Hassle-Free Dangerous Goods Shipping

To avoid delays or fines, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Shipping Guide:

1. Classify your goods using the hazardous materials table
2. Select packaging based on packing group and mode of transit
3. Use proper markings and labels
4. Prepare documentation: shipping papers, SDS, and emergency info
5. Choose the right courier based on destination and product type
6. Check international rules (IATA, IMDG, ICAO)
7. Train your team and document proof of training
8. Retain records as required by 49 CFR

Final tip: Use tools like Easyship to automate paperwork, confirm courier requirements, and handle dangerous goods shipment with confidence.

Ready to Ship Dangerous Goods?

Shipping hazmat items may sound scary—but with the right process, it’s simple. Know your product, follow the hazardous materials regulations, and use trusted carriers and platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between dangerous goods and hazardous materials?

They’re often used interchangeably. Both refer to substances that can pose risks during transport, including flammable, toxic, corrosive, or explosive materials. "Hazardous materials" is the formal term used in U.S. federal regulations like 49 CFR.

Do I need an SDS for every shipment containing lithium batteries?

Not always. Easyship offers an SDS exemption for eligible PI 967 lithium-ion batteries embedded in common consumer electronics (≤100Wh). This helps you skip unnecessary paperwork and ship faster.

What is considered a limited quantity?

A limited quantity is a smaller amount of hazardous material that qualifies for reduced regulatory requirements. Quantity limits vary by material and transport mode—refer to 49 CFR or IATA regulations for specifics.

Can I ship power banks or spare batteries?

Power banks and standalone lithium-ion batteries fall under PI 965 and are usually restricted from air transport without full documentation and approvals. These types do require SDS review and often cannot be shipped via Easyship.

What happens if I mislabel or misdeclare my shipment?

Improper labeling or missing documentation can result in courier delays, rejected shipments, fines, or even bans. Always verify the proper shipping name, hazard class, and packaging before booking.