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  • Dangerous goods
Небезпечні вантажі

Dangerous goods: what they are and how to ship them safely

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Dangerous goods

About the service

Find out which goods are considered dangerous, how to pack them correctly, and what documents are required for international transportation.

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are items, goods, or substances that may pose a threat to human health, property, or the environment during transportation. Therefore, such goods require special attention when packing, labeling, and transporting. Improper handling can lead to serious consequences, such as accidents, fires, leaks of hazardous substances, or harm to human health. In particular, chemicals can interact with each other, which can lead to unwanted chemical reactions or explosions.

Why is this important?

  • Dangerous goods require special packaging and labeling to reduce risks during transport.
  • The transportation of such cargo is regulated by international standards and customs regulations.
  • Improper transportation can result in fines, delays, or even confiscation of cargo.

Example of dangerous goods:

  • Aerosols (hairspray, air fresheners, deodorants)
  • Devices with lithium batteries (phones, laptops, tablets)
  • Varnishes, paints, solvents, adhesives
  • Pyrotechnics, fireworks, signal flares

Even common household items can be classified as hazardous!

Classification of dangerous goods

Dangerous goods are divided into 9 classes, each of which has its own transportation rules:

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Class 1: Explosive substances and products

  • Fireworks, signal flares, firecrackers.
  • Airbags, seat belt pretensioners in cars.

Class 2: Gases

  • Explosive gases: propane, butane, aerosols.
  • Non-flammable gases: oxygen cylinders, gas for carbonating water.
  • Toxic gases: insecticide sprays.

Class 3: Flammable liquids

  • Paints, solvents, alcohols, nail polish.

Class 4: Flammable solids

  • Matches, dry fuel, tourist lighters.

Class 5: Oxidizers and organic peroxides

  • Fertilizers, hydrogen peroxide, chemical adhesives.

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

  • Pesticides, mercury, biological samples, blood.

Class 7: Radioactive materials

  • Medical isotopes, smoke detectors.

Class 8: Corrosive substances

  • Acids, bleaches, pipe cleaners.

Class 9: Other dangerous substances

  • Lithium batteries, magnets, dry ice.

💡 Determining the class of cargo will help you prepare it correctly for transportation!

How do I know if my cargo is dangerous?

If you are unsure whether your goods fall into the category of dangerous goods, there are several ways to check:

  • Ask the manufacturer or supplier for a safety data sheet (SDS) for your product. This document contains all the necessary information about the safety and properties of the product.
  • Pay attention to the UN number, which is an international identifier for hazardous substances and indicates their hazard class.
  • If you are still unsure, contact our specialists, who will provide professional advice and help you determine whether your cargo is dangerous.

How to ship dangerous goods correctly?

To avoid delays or unforeseen problems during the transport of dangerous goods, follow these recommendations:

  • Inform the carrier about the type of cargo.
  • Get advice on packaging.
  • Mark the parcel correctly.
  • Prepare the necessary documents.

Following these rules will help ensure the safety of your cargo during transport and avoid unforeseen situations.

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Frequently asked questions

What documents are required from an individual to complete the shipment?

To send a shipment from an individual, please provide the following documents:

  • A copy of your passport – to confirm the identity of the sender.
  • Customs declaration – in cases where the parcel is subject to customs clearance. Our specialists are ready to assist with the preparation and completion of the declaration.
  • Confirmation of the cost of the goods – this can be a receipt or a link to a website indicating the cost of the goods (if possible).

We are ready to advise you at every stage of preparing documents for travel abroad. 

What documents are required from a legal entity to send a parcel?

To send a shipment from a legal entity, please provide the following documents:

  • Invoice or pro forma invoice – a document confirming the value of goods. If necessary, our specialists will help you fill it out.
  • A packing list is a list of goods with a description of the contents of the shipment. We are also ready to help you fill it out.
  • Additional documents (if required by the nature of the cargo) – these may include certificates of conformity, permits, conclusions, or other confirmations that are required for specific goods.

For legal entities, the rules for completing documents depend on the cost of shipment:

  • If the value is less than €1,000, after consultation with currency control, it is possible to register the shipment upon request with the company’s stamp and signature.
  • If the value exceeds €1,000, an export declaration must be completed. You can use our customs broker services and assistance in preparing the necessary documents.

How does customs clearance work in Ukraine?

The customs clearance process in Ukraine will depend on the price of the parcel:

  • Up to €150 – no taxes or duties will be charged.
  • Over €150 – taxes and duties are charged, the amount of which depends on the specifics of the parcel.

Important: Customs has the right to verify the declared value of the parcel. Additional documentation may be required to confirm the price.

How does customs clearance work in other countries?

Customs clearance abroad is influenced by the customs regulations of the specific country:

  • EU countries: regardless of the cost of the parcel, taxes are charged. 
  • The United Kingdom: taxation of goods worth more than €135.
  • USA: goods worth up to USD 800 are not subject to taxes and duties. Above this limit, charges are applied depending on the type of parcel.

How is the weight of a shipment calculated?

There are two main methods for calculating the weight of a shipment:

  1. Actual weight – direct weighing of the parcel on scales.
  2. Volume weight – calculated using the formula:Volume weight=Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm)÷5000​
  3. If the cargo is oversized or non-standard, the following formula may also be used: LDM=Length (m) × Width (m)÷2,4​

We are always ready to help you choose the best payment method for your shipment.

How can I find out the location of my parcel in real time?

The tracking number found on your invoice will help you with this. Then go to the “Track” section on our website and enter this tracking number. Our tracking system will show the location of the shipment, the latest updates, and the estimated delivery time.

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