Are you planning on shipping dangerous goods to Australia? Whether you are a global e-commerce brand sending the latest tech gadgets, a manufacturer exporting industrial adhesives, or a supplier moving perfumes and aerosols, the process is one of the most strictly regulated logistics challenges in the world.
Australia maintains some of the toughest biosecurity and safety standards globally. When you combine international transport regulations (IATA DGR 67th Edition and IMDG Code) with Australia’s specific domestic laws (ADG Code 7.9 and Border Force requirements), the margin for error is zero. A single mistake in labeling or documentation can lead to your cargo being seized at the border, heavy fines, or even the destruction of your goods.
we will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping dangerous goods to Australia. We will cover the 9 classes of dangerous goods, critical updates regarding lithium and sodium-ion batteries, required documentation, and the specific costs you need to budget for.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult with a certified Dangerous Goods specialist before shipping.
Before you book a shipment, you must confirm if your cargo is actually classified as "Dangerous Goods" (DG).
Dangerous Goods (also known as hazardous materials or HazMat) are articles or substances capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property, or the environment.
Many shippers are surprised to learn that everyday consumer items are classified as DG when shipping dangerous goods to Australia.
If you ship any of the following, you are likely dealing with DG:
"Undeclared Dangerous Goods" is a major offense in the logistics industry. If you label a box of perfume as "Beauty Supplies" without declaring the alcohol content (flammable liquid), you are violating international law.
Consequences include:
To successfully manage shipping dangerous goods to Australia, you must classify your product correctly. The United Nations (UN) system divides DG into nine distinct classes.
Refer to this table to identify where your product fits.
| Class | Name | Description | Common Examples | Typical UN Numbers |
| Class 1 | Explosives | Substances capable of rapid combustion or explosion. | Fireworks, flares, ammunition, blasting caps. | UN 0336, UN 0012 |
| Class 2 | Gases | Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases. | 2.1: Propane (Flammable)
2.2: Fire Extinguishers (Non-flammable) 2.3: Chlorine (Toxic) |
UN 1950 (Aerosols), UN 1044 |
| Class 3 | Flammable Liquids | Liquids that give off flammable vapor. | Paint, perfume, alcohol, adhesives, gasoline, acetone. | UN 1263 (Paint), UN 1266 (Perfumery) |
| Class 4 | Flammable Solids | Solids that burn easily or spontaneously combust. | 4.1: Matches
4.2: White Phosphorus 4.3: Sodium (Dangerous when wet) |
UN 1325, UN 1381 |
| Class 5 | Oxidizing Substances | Substances that yield oxygen and increase fire risk. | 5.1: Hydrogen Peroxide
5.2: Organic Peroxides (Hardeners) |
UN 2014, UN 3105 |
| Class 6 | Toxic & Infectious | Substances liable to cause death or harm to health. | 6.1: Pesticides, Arsenic
6.2: Medical waste, Virus samples |
UN 2811, UN 2900 |
| Class 7 | Radioactive Material | Materials emitting radiation. | Medical isotopes, density gauges, x-ray equipment. | UN 2915, UN 3332 |
| Class 8 | Corrosives | Substances that degrade materials or tissue on contact. | Sulfuric acid, car batteries (wet), bleach, mercury. | UN 2794, UN 1791 |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous | Hazards not covered by other classes. | Lithium & Sodium Batteries, dry ice, magnetized material, asbestos. | UN 3480, UN 3551, UN 1845 |
Pro Tip: The most common imports to Australia fall under Class 3 (Flammables) and Class 9 (Lithium/Sodium Batteries).
Once you know the class, you must determine the Packaging Group (PG). This indicates the degree of danger and dictates the strength of the packaging required.
If you are shipping dangerous goods to Australia, you cannot simply put the items in a standard brown cardboard box. You must use UN-Specification Packaging (often called "UN Certified Boxes").
These boxes have been drop-tested, stack-tested, and pressure-tested. They bear a UN marking code (e.g., 4G/Y145/S/26/CN/...) that proves they are legal for transport.
Shipping to Australia involves a "compliance stack." You must satisfy international transport rules and Australian domestic entry rules.
Once your goods clear customs and land on Australian soil, they fall under:
Documentation errors cause 80% of DG shipping delays. When shipping dangerous goods to Australia, you cannot rely on standard commercial invoices alone.
Use this checklist to ensure you have the complete paper trail.
Warning: Do not attempt to fill out a DGD yourself unless you are certified. It is a legal document, and errors are prosecutable.
Critical Update: As of January 1, 2026, the 67th Edition of the IATA DGR introduced major changes.
| Type | UN Number | Packing Instruction (Air) | Constraint |
| Loose Batteries (Power banks, spare batteries) | UN 3480 (Lithium-Ion)
UN 3551 (Sodium-Ion) |
PI 965
PI 976 |
Forbidden on Passenger Aircraft. Must ship Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO). Max SoC: 30%. |
| Packed With Equipment (Battery separate in box) | UN 3481 (Lithium-Ion)
UN 3552 (Sodium-Ion) |
PI 966
PI 977 |
Can fly passenger aircraft if limits are met. Limits per package apply. |
| Contained In Equipment (Inside laptop/phone) | UN 3481 (Lithium-Ion)
UN 3552 (Sodium-Ion) |
PI 967
PI 978 |
Least restrictive. If under 5kg net qty per package, fewer labeling requirements apply. |
Key Requirement for Australia: Ensure your batteries have passed the UN 38.3 Test Summary. Australian customs or airlines may request this document to prove the battery design is safe.
Follow this workflow to ensure safety and compliance.
Request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer. Look at Section 14. If it mentions a UN Number, it is DG.
Not all logistics companies handle shipping dangerous goods to Australia. You need a specialist forwarder with DG-certified staff.
Submit your DGD and SDS to the carrier for approval. This is often called the "DG Check" or "Vetting Process."
The goods are collected. The driver must have a DG license (if quantities exceed the threshold). The cargo moves to the port/airport for export.
Choosing between air and sea isn't just about speed; it's about what is legally allowed.
| Feature | Air Freight (IATA) | Sea Freight (IMDG) |
| Speed | 3-7 Days to Australia | 25-45 Days to Australia |
| Cost | Very High (includes DG surcharges per kg) | Moderate (DG surcharge is usually per container/bill) |
| Restrictions | Extremely Strict. Many items "Forbidden" (e.g., large lithium batteries, certain oxidizers). | Less Restrictive. Allows larger quantities and higher danger classes. |
| Packaging | Low weight limits per box (e.g., 5L or 25kg). | Higher weight limits allowed. |
| Best For | Urgent samples, high-value electronics, medical isotopes. | Bulk chemicals, large industrial batteries, pallets of paint. |
When shipping dangerous goods to Australia, the freight rate is only part of the story. You must account for DG-specific surcharges.
Here is a realistic breakdown of extra costs you might encounter in 2026:
Total Estimated Premium: Expect to pay 20% to 50% more than a standard non-DG shipment.
Scenario: A UK beauty brand sent 500 bottles of perfume to Sydney via Air Freight, labeling it as "Cosmetics." The Issue: Perfume contains alcohol (Class 3 Flammable). The airline scanner detected liquid density matching flammable goods. The Consequence: The shipment was pulled. The airline issued a "Non-Compliance Report." The shipper was fined $5,000 USD, and the goods were destroyed because return shipping was too costly. The Fix: They should have declared it under UN 1266 (Perfumery Products), packed it in UN boxes, and limited the quantity per inner bottle to meet "Limited Quantity" (Y-pack) rules.
Scenario: A consumer ordered an E-Bike from China to Melbourne. The supplier shipped the battery separate from the bike (UN 3480). The Issue: UN 3480 Loose Lithium Batteries are forbidden on passenger aircraft. The forwarder booked it on a passenger flight. The Consequence: The shipment was rejected at the origin airport. The Fix: The shipment had to be re-booked on a "Cargo Aircraft Only" (CAO) freighter service, which increased the cost but ensured the goods arrived legally.
Generally, you do not need a specific "import license" for general DG like paint or batteries. However, you need to register with AICIS if importing industrial chemicals, and you may need Permits for explosives (Class 1) or radioactive materials (Class 7).
No. Australia Post generally does not accept dangerous goods for international air transport. This includes lithium batteries not installed in equipment. You must use a specialized courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) or a freight forwarder.
"Limited Quantity" (LQ) is a provision that allows you to ship smaller amounts of DG with fewer packaging and labeling requirements. For example, shipping small 30ml bottles of perfume is easier than shipping a 200L drum. If you qualify for LQ, you use a diamond label with black tips (no numbers).
Undeclared DG is a criminal offense. Penalties include heavy fines from CASA/AMSA, seizure of goods, and potential jail time if the undeclared goods cause an accident or injury.
Look at the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by your manufacturer. Scroll to Section 14: Transport Information. If there is a UN Number listed there, it is a Dangerous Good.
Shipping dangerous goods to Australia is not a process where you can cut corners. The combination of international aviation/maritime laws and Australia’s strict border protection means compliance must be your top priority.
By understanding your Class, ensuring your Packaging Group is correct, and having your Documentation signed by a professional, you can ensure your goods clear customs smoothly and arrive safely.
Need help moving your Hazardous Cargo? Don't risk fines or delays.
Disclaimer: Regulations regarding the transport of dangerous goods change frequently (IATA updates annually). This guide is accurate as of early 2026 but should not be taken as legal advice. Always consult the official ADG Code and IATA/IMDG manuals.
