Exporting from South Africa unlocks vast opportunities for your business. But when your cargo includes hazardous or dangerous goods, the stakes rise and so do the rules. From industrial chemicals to everyday items like perfumes, safely transporting these materials is crucial. Non-compliance doesn’t just mean fines or delays, it risks health, safety, property, and even the environment.
That’s why international regulations and rigorous carrier standards are in place to keep these shipments safe, secure, and on the move.
DHL Express is a trusted partner for South African exporters navigating these complexities. While not every hazardous item can be shipped, DHL offers specialised services, clear guidelines, and expert support for approved shippers sending dangerous goods by air or road.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-knows: from understanding compliance and preparing the right paperwork, to best practices that ensure your shipments reach their destination smoothly and safely.
What Exactly Are Hazardous Materials?
First, let’s clarify what counts as hazardous or dangerous goods. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), these are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment.
To handle your shipments properly, you need to know the nine UN classes of dangerous goods:
Explosives
Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
Flammable liquids (think petrol, paints, and many perfumes)
Flammable solids
Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
Toxic and infectious substances (like pesticides or medical cultures)
Radioactive materials
Corrosives (such as battery acid)
Miscellaneous dangerous goods
South African exports often include items classed as Class 9 these are goods that don’t fit neatly into other categories but still pose transport risks. Lithium batteries in electronics, dry ice for temperature control, aerosols, industrial chemicals, and even genetically modified organisms fall here.
DHL’s Approach to Hazardous Goods Shipping
DHL Express operates with a clear, robust framework for hazardous shipments. Only authorised shippers those vetted and approved by DHL’s Restricted Commodities Team can send dangerous goods through our network. Approval happens via your DHL Account Manager and guarantees compliance with both international and DHL-specific regulations.
In South Africa, DHL handles certain classes of dangerous goods by air and road to approved destinations. Shipments must meet all IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), quantity limits, and strict documentation and labelling standards. For example, shipments including dry ice are accepted under defined conditions.
Once approved, your shipment must be packaged, marked, and labelled correctly, with all necessary documents completed including the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, if applicable. Remember, DHL only accepts hazardous goods shipments booked and approved before pick-up.
In short: every dangerous goods shipment must be properly described, packed, and ready for safe transport. That’s how we keep your cargo and the people handling it, safe.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
International transport of hazardous materials is tightly controlled. Packaging and labelling must align with global and regional standards, including:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): The air transport bible.
IMDG Code: Governing sea shipments.
ADR: European road transport rules, which often influence air shipment packaging limits.
Air travel demands top-tier safety standards, making the IATA DGR manual the go-to reference for hazardous air shipments.
As the shipper, it’s your legal duty to know whether your goods will move by air or road and ensure full compliance. Before offering your shipment to an airline, check that packaging, labelling, and documentation reveal no hidden risks.
Packaging, Labelling & Marking: The Essentials
Packaging is your first line of defence. It must keep contents secure, prevent leaks or reactions, and be tough enough for transport stress.
Only approved packaging, like UN-certified or Performance Oriented Packaging (POP), meets these standards. These have undergone rigorous testing to withstand transport challenges.
Labels and markings are equally vital. They communicate hazards clearly to everyone handling your shipment. This includes:
Class labels (like the flame symbol for flammables)
Proper shipping names that precisely identify the goods
Unique UN numbers for each dangerous item
Handling instructions (e.g., “This Way Up”)
Critical Documentation
Compliance hinges on accurate paperwork. Every shipment needs clear, complete documents that detail the goods and how to handle them safely.
Expect to provide:
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Air Waybill
Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
Certificate of Origin (if required)
The Dangerous Goods Declaration must clearly describe your goods, confirm hazard classes, and certify compliance. Missing or incorrect info can lead to penalties or refusal.
Best Practices for Handling Dangerous Goods
Safe handling starts long before shipment:
Double-check your product’s nature, quantity, and classification to confirm eligibility.
Store incompatible goods separately to avoid reactions.
Keep storage areas ventilated and temperature-controlled to prevent vapour buildup or spoilage.
Train your team thoroughly on hazardous goods handling, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
South Africa-Specific Guidelines
In South Africa, DHL Express accepts hazardous shipments only under specific restrictions per service type. Some items like explosives, flammable gases, and radioactive materials are strictly prohibited by law.
Others, such as lithium batteries or dry ice, can be shipped under controlled conditions. When unsure, always check with DHL Express South Africa to confirm if your goods qualify.
DHL reserves the right to refuse or destroy shipments that are undeclared or misdeclared. So, it pays to triple-check packaging, labelling, and documentation before you hand over your goods.
Avoiding the Common Pitfalls
Even seasoned exporters trip up. Watch out for:
Misclassifying goods or downplaying hazards
Using non-compliant packaging
Missing or incomplete paperwork
Shipping without DHL approval
These mistakes lead to delays, fines, and headaches. Plus, items like perfumes, aerosols, and nail polish (IATA’s ID8000 consumer goods) might incur special handling fees.
Stay ahead by doing pre-shipment checks, using UN-certified packaging, and securing DHL’s green light before shipping.
Your Pre-Shipment Checklist for South Africa
Before you send off your hazardous goods, make sure:
You’ve confirmed the correct UN number, Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, and Packing Group.
Quantity limits follow IATA DGR and DHL rules.
The latest Material Safety Data Sheet matches your product.
You’ve discussed the shipment with your DHL Account Manager.
Your company is approved and audited by DHL’s Restricted Commodities Team.
Your shipment is pre-booked and approved before pick-up.
Packaging is UN-certified, intact, and securely closed.
All labels and markings are visible and correct.
The Dangerous Goods Declaration is complete, signed by a qualified person, and accompanies the Air Waybill.
Final Thoughts
Shipping hazardous goods doesn’t have to be daunting. It demands attention, compliance, and a partner who knows the ropes. Understanding how to classify, package, document, and declare your dangerous goods keeps your exports safe, compliant, and on time.
With DHL Express South Africa’s global reach, certified network, and dedicated Dangerous Goods specialists, you get the expertise and support to move your sensitive shipments with confidence.
Need to ship hazardous materials internationally? Trust DHL Express to get your goods where they need to be safely, legally, and efficiently.
Share
