Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9 Explained
What dangerous goods are and how the 9 hazard classes work, with divisions, examples, labels, packing groups, and air and sea transport requirements.
Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes by type of hazard. The class determines labelling, packaging, segregation, and which transport rules apply.
The 9 dangerous goods classes
- Class 1, Explosives: Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard, projection hazard, fire hazard, or minor blast hazard.
- Class 2, Gases: Substances which at 50°C have a vapor pressure greater than 300 kPa, or are completely gaseous at 20°C at standard pressure.
- Class 3, Flammable Liquids: Liquids with a flash point of not more than 60°C (closed cup) or liquids offered for transport at temperatures at or above their flash point.
- Class 4, Flammable Solids: Solids which are easily ignited, self-reactive substances, or substances which emit flammable gases when wet.
- Class 5, Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides: Substances that may cause or enhance combustion of other materials, and organic peroxides with self-reactive properties.
- Class 6, Toxic & Infectious Substances: Substances which are liable to cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact, or infectious substances containing pathogens.
- Class 7, Radioactive Material: Materials containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and total activity exceed specified values.
- Class 8, Corrosive Substances: Substances which by chemical action will cause severe damage to living tissue or will materially damage other goods or the means of transport.
- Class 9, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Substances and articles which present a danger not covered by other classes, including environmentally hazardous substances.
Browse all pages (9)
- Dangerous Goods Class 1: Explosives
- Dangerous Goods Class 2: Gases
- Dangerous Goods Class 3: Flammable Liquids
- Dangerous Goods Class 4: Flammable Solids
- Dangerous Goods Class 5: Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides
- Dangerous Goods Class 6: Toxic & Infectious Substances
- Dangerous Goods Class 7: Radioactive Material
- Dangerous Goods Class 8: Corrosive Substances
- Dangerous Goods Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
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Frequently asked questions
How many dangerous goods classes are there?
There are 9 classes: 1 Explosives, 2 Gases, 3 Flammable Liquids, 4 Flammable Solids, 5 Oxidizing Substances & Organic Peroxides, 6 Toxic & Infectious Substances, 7 Radioactive Material, 8 Corrosive Substances, 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.