Dangerous Goods (DG) Glossary

A

Acceptance Checklist
A required document used by carriers and ground handlers to verify that a dangerous goods shipment complies with applicable regulations before transport.

ADR
The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

B

Battery Mark (Lithium Battery Mark)
A required handling label indicating the presence of lithium batteries and including a contact telephone number.

Bulk Packaging
Large packaging used to transport hazardous materials without intermediate containers.

C

Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)
A label indicating dangerous goods that are prohibited on passenger aircraft and may only be transported on cargo aircraft.

Class (Hazard Class)
The numeric category (1–9) assigned to dangerous goods based on the type of hazard they present.

Compatibility Group
A classification used for explosives to indicate which substances may be transported or stored together safely.

D

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
A shipper-completed document certifying that dangerous goods are properly classified, packaged, marked, and labeled in accordance with regulations.

DG Specialist
A trained and certified individual responsible for reviewing and managing hazardous cargo compliance.

Division
A subdivision within a hazard class providing more specific hazard identification.

E

Excepted Quantities (EQ)
Small amounts of dangerous goods that are permitted under reduced regulatory requirements.

Emergency Response Guide (ERG)
A guidebook used by first responders for handling hazardous material incidents.

F

Flash Point
The lowest temperature at which a liquid emits vapors capable of ignition.

I

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR)
The industry standard manual governing air transport of hazardous materials.

IMDG Code
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code governing ocean transport of hazardous cargo.

Incompatible Materials
Substances that must not be stored or transported together due to reaction risk.

L

Lithium Battery (UN 3480 / UN 3090)
Rechargeable lithium-ion (UN 3480) or lithium metal (UN 3090) batteries regulated as dangerous goods due to fire risk.

Limited Quantity (LQ)
A regulatory exception allowing shipment of small quantities of certain dangerous goods with reduced documentation requirements.

M

Marine Pollutant
A substance identified as harmful to the marine environment under IMDG regulations.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A manufacturer-provided document outlining hazards, handling, and emergency measures for a substance.

O

Overpack
An enclosure used to consolidate multiple packages of dangerous goods into one handling unit.

P

Packing Group (PG)
A designation (I, II, or III) indicating the degree of danger presented by a substance.

Proper Shipping Name (PSN)
The standardized name assigned to a dangerous good in regulatory publications.

S

Segregation
The separation of incompatible dangerous goods during transport or storage.

Shipper’s Certification
A signed statement on a Dangerous Goods Declaration confirming regulatory compliance.

T

Technical Name
A chemical or biological name that may be required in addition to the proper shipping name.

U

UN Number
A four-digit number assigned by the United Nations to identify hazardous substances and articles internationally.

UN Specification Packaging
Packaging tested and certified to meet UN performance standards for dangerous goods transport.

V

Ventilation Requirement
Specific airflow requirements for certain hazardous materials during storage or transit.

Disclaimer:

This glossary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace official regulatory publications such as IATA DGR, IMDG Code, 49 CFR, or ADR. Regulations governing dangerous goods are subject to change. Shippers remain legally responsible for accurate classification, packaging, marking, labeling, and documentation.

FREIGHT DIRECTORY assumes no responsibility for regulatory violations or operational decisions based on this content.