When cargo is urgent, air freight is the fastest way to move dangerous goods. It is also the most tightly regulated. Every shipment must follow the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and each airline’s own acceptance rules. We check what is allowed before you pack, and prepare the declaration and documents.
What air freight requires
- Classification and packing instruction: the correct packing instruction and per-package limit for the UN number
- Passenger or cargo aircraft: many goods are restricted to cargo aircraft only, and some are forbidden by air
- Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD): completed correctly, since small errors can lead to rejection
- Packaging and marking: UN-certified packaging, hazard labels, Cargo Aircraft Only labels and orientation arrows where required
- Airline approval: each airline accepts only certain DG and applies its own variations
- Trained personnel: DG shipments must be prepared by staff trained under the IATA DGR
Goods we commonly move by air
- Lithium batteries and battery-powered products, see battery logistics
- Class 3 liquids and Class 8 corrosives within per-package limits
- Aerosols and other Class 2 goods in permitted quantities
- Limited Quantity and Excepted Quantity shipments
The 67th Edition of the IATA DGR applies in 2026 and includes new mandatory state of charge requirements for some lithium batteries. A new edition is published every year, so always confirm the current rules before shipping.
What we need to quote your shipment
Send us the details below and we will confirm routing, carrier acceptance and price for your air freight shipment.
- Product name, UN number, class and packing group (from the SDS, Section 14)
- Current SDS (16 sections) and, for batteries, the UN38.3 test summary
- Quantity, package type and gross weight per package
- Origin city or port, destination port or address, and Incoterm
- Cargo ready date and required delivery date
Air freight FAQ
Which is faster, air freight or express?
Express is often faster door to door for small parcels, but accepts fewer dangerous goods. Air freight suits larger or heavier consignments. See express delivery.
Can I use the same packaging for sea and air?
Not always. Air limits per package are lower and additional marks may apply. We advise on packaging for the mode you choose. See goods packaging.
Regulations are revised regularly. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026 and the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations applies during 2026. Requirements vary by carrier, port and destination, so please contact us to confirm the rules for your specific shipment.