What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods (also referred to as hazardous materials) are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during their transport, handling, or storage. These goods can be solids, liquids, or gases and may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive, or explosive in nature. Examples include chemicals like ammonia, petroleum products, certain pharmaceuticals, explosives, and even lithium batteries. Proper classification of dangerous goods ensures they are managed and transported safely.

How to send Dangerous Goods in New Zealand?

Sending dangerous goods in New Zealand involves following specific safety regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe and legal transport of hazardous materials. The process involves proper classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, and choosing the right mode of transport (road, rail, sea, or air). The key regulation for dangerous goods transportation in New Zealand is the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005, alongside international standards like the IMDG Code (for sea transport) and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (for air transport).

The UN Number is a four-digit code assigned by the United Nations to identify specific dangerous goods. These numbers provide a standardised way of categorising hazardous materials based on their properties such as flammability, toxicity, or corrosiveness.

Who owns DG Solutions?

DG Solutions is owned by Tom Rawlings, who is the Managing Director. The company was founded in January 2025, leveraging Tom's extensive experience in dangerous goods storage, handling, and transport.

What is a packing group in Dangerous Goods?

Packing Groups (PG) classify dangerous goods based on their level of risk. PG I is high danger, PG II is medium danger, and PG III is low danger. This helps ensure proper packaging, labelling, and safe transport of hazardous materials.

Who is responsible for shipping dangerous goods?

The shipper is responsible for ensuring proper handling of dangerous goods, including classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation. They must comply with regulations like the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) and the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 in New Zealand.

What are the carriers' responsibilities for shipping dangerous goods?

Carriers, whether trucking companies, shipping lines, or airlines, are responsible for safely transporting dangerous goods. They must ensure goods are securely packed, properly labelled, and handled according to regulations, including international standards like the IMDG Code for sea freight and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air transport.

What are freight forwarders' responsibilities for shipping dangerous goods?

Freight forwarders coordinate the logistics of dangerous goods shipments, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, routing, customs clearance, and proper documentation. They act as intermediaries between the shipper and carrier to ensure smooth and compliant transport.

Who are the regulatory authorities for shipping dangerous goods in New Zealand?

Regulatory bodies like NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) and CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) enforce dangerous goods transport rules and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What is 4G Packaging in dangerous goods?

4G packaging is UN-approved packaging designed to safely contain and transport dangerous goods. It is constructed from durable materials like corrugated fibreboard, with features like reinforced corners and secure closures to withstand the rigors of transportation.

What is the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005?

The Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 provides guidelines in New Zealand for the safe transport of dangerous goods by road and rail. It ensures safety for people, property, and the environment during hazardous material transport.

What is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)?

The IMDG Code is a set of regulations developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea. It aims to protect life, property, and the environment from the risks posed by hazardous materials during shipping.

What are the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations?

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) are guidelines established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. These regulations ensure proper handling, packaging, labelling, and documentation to protect passengers, crew, and cargo.

What is UN Approved dangerous goods packaging?

UN-approved packaging has been tested and certified to meet safety standards for transporting dangerous goods. This packaging ensures hazardous materials are contained safely during transport, minimising the risk of accidents.

What is the requirement for labelling dangerous goods?

The hazard label must be at least 100mm x 100mm in size and placed on all outer surfaces of the container or package. For larger packages, labels should be placed on opposite sides or adjacent faces of the package.

What is limited quantity packaging?

Limited quantity packaging is used for small quantities of dangerous goods that meet specific criteria. It allows for less stringent packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements, making it easier to ship small amounts of hazardous materials safely.

What are Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities (DGLQ)?

DGLQ stands for Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities, allowing small quantities of hazardous materials to be shipped with simplified packaging and labelling requirements. This is meant for materials that pose minimal risk during transport.

Who is responsible for labelling Dangerous Goods?

The shipper or consignor is primarily responsible for ensuring dangerous goods are properly labelled. Other parties involved in transport also have roles in ensuring compliance with labelling regulations.

What is a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)?

A Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) is a formal document required for shipping hazardous materials. It provides critical information to ensure everyone involved in the transport process understands the risks and follows proper safety procedures.

Who can pack Dangerous Goods?

The packing of dangerous goods must be carried out by qualified personnel who are trained in the proper regulations for handling, packaging, and transporting hazardous materials.

How many classes of dangerous goods are there?

There are 9 classes of dangerous goods, categorising hazardous materials based on their properties and risks: Explosives, Gases, Flammable liquids, Flammable solids, Oxidizing substances, Toxic and infectious substances, Radioactive materials, Corrosive substances, and Miscellaneous dangerous goods.

What are class 1 dangerous goods?

Class 1 dangerous goods are explosives, materials that can cause explosions and pose a significant hazard during transport, storage, or handling.

What are class 2.1 dangerous goods?

Class 2.1 dangerous goods are flammable gases that can ignite and burn when exposed to an ignition source, typically in a gaseous state at room temperature but stored under pressure as liquids.

What are class 3 dangerous goods?

Class 3 dangerous goods are flammable liquids, including substances that easily ignite when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames. Examples include kerosene and gasoline.

What are class 4 dangerous goods?

Class 4 dangerous goods are flammable solids and materials that can spontaneously combust or react violently with water or air, requiring specialized handling and packaging.

What are class 5.1 dangerous goods?

Class 5.1 dangerous goods are oxidizing substances. These are materials that can cause or enhance the combustion of other materials by providing oxygen or other oxidizing elements, making fires more intense or more likely to start. While they are not necessarily combustible on their own, they can cause or accelerate the burning of other materials.

What are class 5.2 dangerous goods?

Class 5.2 dangerous goods are defined by the UN (United Nations) system of classification as organic peroxides. These compounds contain a peroxide group (–O–O–), a bond between two oxygen atoms, which is inherently unstable. The instability of the oxygen-oxygen bond makes organic peroxides highly reactive, and they can decompose violently, especially when exposed to heat, shock, or other environmental factors.

What are class 6.1 dangerous goods?

Class 6.1 dangerous goods refer to toxic substances that pose a risk to health when they are transported. These goods can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. They can be fatal or cause serious injury or illness.

What are class 6.2 dangerous goods?

Class 6.2 dangerous goods refer to infectious substances that are capable of causing disease in humans or animals. These materials may contain harmful microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, or other biological agents that could lead to infections or diseases when exposed to humans or animals.

What are class 7 dangerous goods?

Class 7 dangerous goods are radioactive materials. These substances emit ionising radiation, which can be harmful to living organisms, including humans, if they are not handled or transported properly.

What are class 8 dangerous goods?

Class 8 dangerous goods are corrosive substances. These materials can cause severe damage to living tissue, such as skin or eyes, or to other materials they come into contact with. Corrosive substances can be acids, alkalis, or other chemicals that can destroy or irreversibly damage material surfaces and living tissue.

What are class 9 dangerous goods?

Class 9 dangerous goods are miscellaneous dangerous goods. This category includes substances and materials that do not fall under the other specific classes but still pose a risk during transportation. These goods are hazardous in ways that don't fit the criteria of the other classes (such as flammability, toxicity, or corrosiveness) but still require special handling and packaging due to their potential to cause harm.

Are you certified to issue dangerous goods export certification?

Yes. DG Solutions provides export certification for air and sea freight, including IATA and IMDG documentation. We work with freight forwarders, exporters, and logistics teams to ensure all certifications are accurate and compliant.

Do you offer in-person or remote consultations?

Both! We offer on-site consultations throughout New Zealand as well as remote advisory sessions via video call. Whether you're a manufacturer, warehouse operator, or exporter, we tailor our consultation services to suit your business and compliance needs.

Who needs dangerous goods training?

Any staff involved in the handling, shipping, or management of dangerous goods must be trained under the applicable laws. This includes warehouse staff, packers, drivers, and admin teams preparing documentation. We offer custom training options for all roles.

What industries do you work with?

We work across multiple industries including chemical manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, laboratories, construction, logistics, and e-commerce. If you deal with chemicals or hazardous substances, we can help.

How do I get started?

Simply reach out via our Contact Page or call us directly. We’ll schedule a discovery call to understand your needs and then provide a tailored plan to ensure full compliance with dangerous goods regulations.

Can you help with dangerous goods compliance for e-commerce businesses?

Yes, we specialise in supporting e-commerce businesses that ship or sell hazardous items such as aerosols, batteries, flammable products, or corrosives. We can help with packaging advice, courier compliance, safety labelling, and ongoing training for fulfilment teams.

Can you train my team on-site?

Yes, we offer fully mobile, on-site dangerous goods training tailored to your operations. Whether you're in Auckland, Christchurch, or rural areas, we bring the expertise to you — perfect for teams handling chemicals, fuels, or DG logistics.

Do I need certification for shipping lithium batteries?

Yes. Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods and have strict packaging, labelling, and documentation rules. We can assist with compliance whether you’re shipping loose cells, packed with equipment, or contained in equipment.

Can you assist with DG packaging and labelling?

Yes. We advise on compliant packaging types (UN-spec drums, boxes, IBCs), required labels and placards, and packing group requirements. We also stock dangerous goods labels and signs on our online store.

How often do staff need DG training?

Typically, dangerous goods training should be refreshed every 2 years, or sooner if regulations change or staff roles shift. We offer scheduled refresher courses and maintain training records for your business.

Do you offer ongoing compliance support?

Yes, we offer ongoing advisory services and DG compliance management packages. These can include regular audits, staff training updates, document reviews, and emergency planning — keeping your operations safe and compliant year-round.

What types of dangerous goods labels do you sell?

We sell a full range of compliant class labels (Class 1–9), handling labels, limited quantity labels, lithium battery labels, placards, and custom signage. All labels are designed to meet NZ, IATA, IMDG regulations.

Are your labels compliant with international dangerous goods regulations?

Yes. All our labels meet the requirements of NZ Land Transport Rule, IATA DGR, IMDG Code, and ADR standards. Whether you’re shipping by road, sea, or air, our labels help ensure your consignments are compliant.

What material are the labels printed on?

Our labels are printed on durable, weather-resistant materials, including self-adhesive vinyl and synthetic stock options. These are designed to withstand moisture, abrasion, and outdoor exposure during transport or storage.

Can I order custom labels?

Yes, we offer custom label printing services for specific UN numbers, mixed loads, company branding, or unique handling instructions. Just reach out with your specifications, and we’ll provide a fast quote and proof for approval.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes. We offer volume-based discounts on label packs and signage. If you’re ordering for warehouses, freight companies, or export operations, contact us for a custom pricing plan.

Can I track my order?

Yes. Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number via email. You can follow your parcel’s journey right to your door.

Are your labels suitable for air freight?

Yes. We stock a full range of IATA-compliant air freight labels, including Class 9 lithium battery labels, 'Cargo Aircraft Only,' and 'This Way Up' labels, all in standard sizes and materials accepted by carriers.