Dangerous goods handling and shipping in Dubai, UAEHazardous cargo, handled by the rules.

Dangerous goods are items that can cause harm during transport. They are articles or substances that pose a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment, and are listed or classified under transport regulations. Examples include perfume, paint, aerosols, lithium batteries and many chemicals. They need correct classification, packaging, labels and documents before shipping.

• There are 9 hazard classes under the UN system.
• Each substance has a four-digit UN number, such as UN1263 for paint.
• Air rules come from IATA, and sea rules from the IMO.

Yes, the two terms describe essentially the same thing. DG is the term used in international air and sea rules from IATA and the IMO. Hazmat, short for hazardous materials, is mainly a US regulatory term. In Dubai, you may hear DG cargo, hazardous cargo and hazmat used interchangeably.

• US hazmat rules are in 49 CFR.
• International air rules are in the IATA DGR.
• International sea rules are in the IMDG Code.

Check the safety data sheet and the product label. Section 14 of the safety data sheet shows transport information, including any UN number, class and packing group. GHS hazard pictograms on the label or sheet are another signal to check. If you are unsure, send the sheet to your forwarder before you book the shipment.

• The sheet may be called an MSDS or an SDS.
• Everyday products such as perfume and batteries can be regulated.
• Hidden hazards can sit inside machinery or spare parts.

You usually need a Shipper's Declaration and a safety data sheet. These go with the standard air waybill, commercial invoice and packing list. The declaration states the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group and quantity. Some small-quantity and lithium battery shipments have different requirements, so check the rules for your specific product before booking.

• The air waybill must show that the shipment contains dangerous goods.
• Radioactive material and some other goods need added approvals.
• Details on every document must match the package.

Yes, lithium batteries can fly if they meet IATA rules. The rules depend on battery chemistry, watt-hour rating, quantity, and whether the batteries are packed alone, with equipment or inside equipment. Lithium ion batteries shipped alone must generally be at no more than 30% state of charge. Damaged or defective batteries face much stricter limits.

• Lithium ion: UN3480 alone, UN3481 with or in equipment.
• Lithium metal: UN3090 alone, UN3091 with or in equipment.
• The cells need to have passed UN 38.3 testing.

Yes, most alcohol-based perfume is classed as dangerous goods. It usually ships as UN1266, perfumery products, in Class 3 for flammable liquids. Shipments generally need suitable packaging, hazard labels, a safety data sheet and a Shipper's Declaration. Small quantities may qualify for reduced requirements. The exact rules depend on the formula, pack size and airline accepting it.

• Class 3 covers liquids with a flash point of 60 °C or lower.
• Limited quantity packing instructions start with Y.
• Send one safety data sheet for each fragrance formula where they differ.

A DG surcharge is an extra charge for hazardous cargo. Airlines and forwarders apply it to cover additional handling, acceptance checks and paperwork. The amount varies by carrier, hazard class, quantity and route, so there is no standard rate. Ask for DG costs as a separate line in your quote, so you can compare options fairly.

• UN-specification packaging can be a separate cost.
• Cargo aircraft only (CAO) goods may have fewer flight options.
• Airlift Logistics shows charges upfront in its quotes.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) regulates DG air cargo in the UAE. Its rules are in Civil Aviation Regulations Part VI, Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, which also covers training. Shippers and forwarders follow these together with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Ask any forwarder you use to show its current DG certificates.

• The IATA DGR 67th edition applies from 1 January 2026.
• Radioactive material also involves the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
• Check for the latest GCAA revision, as rules are updated.

Both let small amounts ship under reduced rules, but with different limits. Excepted quantity covers very small amounts, using codes E1 to E5, and has the lightest requirements. Limited quantity allows larger amounts, using packing instructions that start with Y by air. Eligibility depends on the UN number, so check the regulations for your exact product first.

• E0 means excepted quantity is not permitted.
• Packaging and marking rules still apply to both.
• Airlines can set stricter limits than the regulations.

Yes, hazardous cargo can ship by sea from Dubai under the IMDG Code. Shipping lines must approve each booking, and the cargo needs a DG declaration and a container packing certificate. Stowage and segregation rules control where it sits on the ship. Air freight is Airlift Logistics' core DG service, so ask about sea options.

• IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 became mandatory on 1 January 2026.
• Jebel Ali Port is Dubai's main container port.
• Sea rules and air rules can set different limits for the same product.

Road transport of hazardous materials in Dubai generally needs a specific permit. Requirements can involve the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and Civil Defence, depending on the material and vehicle. Rules differ between emirates and on cross-border routes. Confirm the current requirements with the authority or your transport provider before moving any cargo.

• Cross-border GCC routes add customs and border requirements.
• Radioactive material also needs FANR licensing.
• Ask Airlift Logistics about your specific road route.

Airlift Logistics handles all 9 hazard classes. Whether a particular shipment can move still depends on its UN number, quantity, packaging, route and carrier acceptance. Some goods, especially in Classes 1 and 7, need added permits, and some cannot fly at all. Send the safety data sheet to check your specific cargo first.

• Class 3 includes perfume and paint.
• Class 9 includes lithium batteries and dry ice.
• Email data sheets to cs@airlift-logistics.com.