Dangerous Goods (DG) refers to cargo that, by its nature or its vapours, poses risks of explosion, flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness or radioactivity to people, equipment, conveyances, other cargo or the environment during transport. Since 1 October 2025, China classifies DG under GB 6944-2025 and identifies them under GB 12268-2025.
Identifying dangerous goods is the very first step in booking, customs clearance and container packing. It directly determines the transport mode, packaging and declaration process. This article explains the definition, the nine classes and the four international frameworks to help you build a quick judgment framework.
1. Definition of Dangerous Goods
Under GB 6944-2025 Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods, dangerous goods are substances and articles that have explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious, corrosive or radioactive properties and, during transport, storage and handling, may cause personal injury, property damage or environmental pollution, thus requiring special protection.
2. Domestic Classification Basis
- GB 12268-2025 List of Dangerous Goods: based on the UN Model Regulations, listing the UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group - the core tool for determining whether cargo is DG.
- GB 6944-2025 Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods: specifies classification principles and item numbering - the technical basis for classification.
3. The Nine Classes of Dangerous Goods
| Class | Name | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives | Dynamite, fireworks, detonators, fuses |
| Class 2 | Gases | LPG (flammable), nitrogen (non-flammable), chlorine (toxic) |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | Gasoline, ethanol, methanol, acetone |
| Class 4 | Flammable solids; self-reactive; water-reactive | Sulphur, red phosphorus, sodium, calcium |
| Class 5 | Oxidizing substances & organic peroxides | Ammonium nitrate, potassium permanganate, benzoyl peroxide |
| Class 6 | Toxic & infectious substances | Pesticides, cyanides, medical waste |
| Class 7 | Radioactive material | Uranium, plutonium, medical isotopes |
| Class 8 | Corrosives | Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous goods | Lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetized material, airbags |
Each item has a unique UN number, e.g. UN3480 for lithium-ion batteries shipped alone and UN1950 for aerosols. The UN number is the core identifier in DG declarations and transport documents.
4. International Frameworks
| Mode | Regulation | Issued by | Revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea | IMDG Code | IMO | Biennial |
| Air | IATA DGR | IATA | Annual |
| European road | ADR | UNECE | Biennial |
| International rail | RID | OTIF | Biennial |
5. Declaration Essentials
When consigning dangerous goods, the shipper must provide:
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS), in English for sea freight
- Compliant DG packaging and marking
- Dangerous goods packaging certificate
Not sure whether your cargo is DG?
Ginga Logistics provides DG classification assistance, UN number lookup, packaging certificate handling and full sea/air declaration services to keep your shipment compliant and efficient.
Hunk Hu Mobile: +86-15692136029 Email: oversea22@gingalogistics.com
Xyla Mobile: +86-18321527277 Email: oversea33@gingalogistics.com