Dangerous Goods (DG)

Dangerous Goods are substances or articles that can pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. They are listed in the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or are classified according to the criteria defined in these regulations.

Dangerous Goods meet the requirements of one or more of the nine UN hazard classes. When applicable, they are also assigned to one of three UN Packing Groups, which indicate the degree of danger within that hazard class.

• Hazard classes describe the type of danger.
• Packing groups describe the severity of that danger.

Types of Batteries and Cells

Battery

A battery consists of two or more cells that are electrically connected and equipped with the components required for use, such as a casing, terminals, markings, and protective devices.

Cell

A cell is a single electrochemical unit with one positive and one negative electrode. It produces a voltage across its terminals and may include protective devices.

Button cell

A button cell (or “coin cell”) is a small, round cell where the height is less than the diameter.

Important Safety Restrictions

• Batteries must never be packed together with the following hazard classes/divisions:
• Class 1 (except 1.4S), Division 2.1, Class 3, Division 4.1, and Division 5.1.
• Damaged or defective cells or batteries are strictly forbidden for transport.

Definition of “Equipment” (Lithium Batteries)

For lithium batteries and cells, equipment refers to the device or apparatus that the battery powers.

Note:

Large equipment may be transported unpackaged or on pallets if the equipment itself provides adequate protection for the batteries it contains.

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