Ketentuan Pengiriman
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Did you know? India handles over 180,000 shipments of dangerous goods each year, totaling a whopping ₹25,000 crores. A significant 85% of these shipments need specialized documentation and handling, which can bump up freight forwarding costs by 15-25%. But this extra effort is crucial for staying compliant with regulations.
Classification and Documentation Requirements
Dangerous goods fall into nine categories, such as explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and radioactive materials. Each category has its own specific Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) requirements. This declaration must include UN identification numbers, proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, and emergency response information. Freight forwarding companies need to make sure that shippers provide accurate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), proper packaging certificates, and declarations from trained personnel before they can accept any hazardous cargo.
Regulatory Compliance and Training
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have strict regulations that require thorough training for anyone handling dangerous goods. Indian exporters must also adhere to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules for air transport and the Directorate General of Shipping guidelines for sea freight. To safely and legally manage hazardous materials, freight forwarding companies typically invest between ₹200,000 and ₹500,000 each year in staff certification, specialized equipment, and compliance systems.
Operational Impact and Risk Management
Shipping dangerous goods involves specialized handling, segregated storage, emergency response procedures, and limited routing options, all of which can significantly affect container freight rates and transit times. Failing to comply can lead to serious penalties, including cargo rejection, fines of up to ₹50 lakhs, license suspension, and even criminal liability. Freight forwarding companies that specialize in dangerous goods may charge higher rates, but they provide essential services for chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial exporters who need reliable hazmat transportation.