Global Freight Restrictions & Guidelines
A comprehensive guide to Prohibited, Restricted, and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) shipping for Air, Ocean, and Ground freight.
Air Freight Restrictions
Air transport is subject to strict IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. Security is maximum due to aviation risks.
Ocean Freight Restrictions
Sea freight follows the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) code. It is more lenient for bulk liquids but requires strict container packing declarations.
The 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods
Items falling under these UN classifications require specialized handling, specific packaging (UN boxes), and hazmat declarations.
Explosives
Gases
Flammable Liquids
Flammable Solids
Oxidizers
Toxic & Infectious
Radioactive
Corrosives
Misc. (Batteries/Dry Ice)
General Prohibited Items
Regardless of the transport mode, the following items are strictly banned across our entire logistics network and will be seized by international customs.
Packaging & Documentation
Shipping restricted items legally requires perfect compliance with packaging standards.
Clearance Checklist
To prevent your commercial cargo from being held at borders, ensure the following steps are strictly followed.
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Any chemical, liquid, or battery requires an MSDS from the manufacturer declaring its composition and hazard level.
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UN Certified Packaging
Hazardous goods must be packed in approved UN specification boxes with appropriate absorbent materials.
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Hazard Labeling
Pallets and cartons must clearly display the correct diamond-shaped hazard class labels visible on all sides.
Freight Compliance FAQs
Can I ship Lithium-ion batteries?
Yes, but they fall under Class 9 Dangerous Goods. They must be packaged according to IATA DGR, labelled with battery handling marks, and cannot exceed specific Watt-hour (Wh) limits for air freight.
What happens if I don't declare hazardous cargo?
Undeclared hazardous goods carry extreme consequences, including heavy fines, legal action from aviation authorities, shipment confiscation, and permanent blacklisting of your company.
Is commercial perfume allowed?
Since perfumes contain alcohol (flammable liquid), they are Class 3 Dangerous Goods. They require special commercial declarations and are mostly routed via Ocean freight rather than Air.
What is an MSDS?
A Material Safety Data Sheet is a document provided by the product manufacturer outlining health, safety, fire, and environmental hazard information. Customs mandates it for all chemical shipments.
Need Assistance with Customs & Declarations?
Our licensed customs brokers and freight forwarders are ready to help classify your cargo and prepare the required paperwork.
Consult Our Freight ExpertsYour shipment is safe, secure and professionally handled.
We follow strict timelines, quality checks, and real-time tracking to ensure a stress-free delivery experience.