MISDECLARED AND

UNDECLARED DANGEROUS
GOODS
MISDECLARED

• Are DG’s offered for transport in a manner not meeting the

provisions of the Technical Instructions that is not to be considered
an undeclared item of dangerous goods.
• It is the failure to correctly declare DG’s.
• Misdeclared dangerous goods is a serious offense.
• Incorrect or incomplete declarations can lead to accidents.
Prohibited Restricted
• Means something is formally • Means something is put
forbidden by law or under control or limits
authorities
 Hazardous cargo misdeclarations are willful………

Reasons for what

promotes willful
default and how
shippers misdeclare
hazardous goods.

Source: IATA DG Regulations

What promotes Misdeclaration of Goods?
 High hazardous surcharge imposed by carrier
- High degree of danger associated with cargo
 Cargo restricted by carrier
- Limiting weight and/or quantity
 Cargo prohibited by destination country
- Not allowed or illegal. E.g. used clothing and rags, Hazardous waste
 Cargo prohibited by carrier
- Too dangerous to be transported or does not have appropriate equipment
 Cargo is prohibited/restricted but have high demand in the market
- Not allowed or controlled but has high value. e.g. used motorcycle parts
Factors

• On factors promoting willful default majority said

• Value associated with the DG

• High demand in the market
How do shippers misdeclare Dangerous Goods?

• Almost equally respondents chose below four options for misdeclaring dangerous
goods

• Take advantage of special provisions

• Altering Safety Data Sheets
• Using less used synonyms (battery = electrochemical device)
• Changing cargo name
How to eliminate misdeclaration of Dangerous Goods

Most respondents agreed with below priorities

1. More awareness campaigns (lack of subject knowledge)

2. Mandatory Training verification by authorities
3. Know your customer
Awareness

• Too many people believe that if you can buy it in a grocery store
or pharmacy then it cannot be Dangerous Goods.

• Too many people believe that if you can put it in your luggage on
an airplane then it cannot be Dangerous Goods.
Awareness

• Misdeclared Dangerous Goods are in the forefront in the last few

years. Big mistake done by most shippers / cargo agents across the
globe is cost cutting in two areas –

• 1. Training

• 2. Staffing

• Most shippers save cost in training, which is a mandatory requirement.

Carriers and Airports should…..

• Scanning (use scanning systems/machines)

• Inspection (physical, visual)

Safety Data Sheet Terms

 DPD – Dangerous Preparations Directive

-Is a directive in the field of occupational safety and health and consumer protection

 CLP Regulation - Classification, Labeling and Packaging

- Ensures that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and
consumers through classification, labeling and packaging of chemicals
- it is a legislation that aims to protect people and the environment from the effects of dangerous
chemicals

 SDS- Safety Data Sheets

- Provide useful information on chemicals, describing the hazards the chemical presents, and giving
information on handling, storage and emergency measures
 Safety Data Sheet

• More awareness of the Dangerous

Goods across all stakeholders and
the implications of not using the
correct regulations.