International Regulations

Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances can be safely transported provided certain principles are strictly followed. Packaging is the essential component in the safe transport of these goods. Training of people involved in Dangerous Goods is also an essential element in the preparation of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Substances for Transport.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by IATA "to provide procedures for the shipper and the operator by which articles and substances with hazardous properties can be safely transported by air on all commercial transport."

These regulations are based on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air as the minimum legal requirement. These are in turn based on the UN Recommendations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Most commercial airlines are affiliated with IATA and therefore they must comply with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. IATA is regulated by ICAO and IATA regulations are more stringent than ICAO.

All other air craft operators, commercial and civil, are regulated by ICAO.

Similar to IATA/ICAO Regulations, for the transportation of Dangerous Goods by sea or land transport, International Maritime Organization have produced their own Regulations which is known as IMDG Code. (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)

All UN numbers and Proper Shipping Names are the same as in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The difference is mostly in the packaging and quantity requirements.