Dangerous goods are not limited to explosives or highly toxic chemicals. Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfume, paint, solvents, dry ice, battery-powered equipment and many everyday products may become regulated DG in transport. If a shipper provides only a trade name or an incomplete SDS, the booking may be rejected, the cargo may require repacking, or the shipment may be held—while a misdeclared package can create fire, leakage and incompatibility risks. A compliant process starts by identifying the product, assigning the correct UN number and Proper Shipping Name, classifying the hazard, selecting the packing instruction and quantity limit, applying marks and labels, preparing the required declaration, and checking modal and carrier restrictions. This article explains the nine DG classes and the documentation normally needed for sea, air and the road leg in Vietnam.

Prepared by TGIMEX · Updated: 21 July 2026 · Scope: international DG transport and road legs in Vietnam

QUICK FACTS

DG is a transport concept

An item is DG when its properties may endanger people, property, transport equipment or the environment during carriage.

There are nine hazard classes

Classification follows the primary hazard; subsidiary risks may apply and not every class uses Packing Groups.

An SDS is not the final transport ruling

Section 14 supports the review, but composition, testing, UN entry, PSN and modal rules must be verified.

Documents vary by mode

Sea uses IMDG; air uses ICAO TI/IATA DGR; the Vietnam road leg requires review under Decree 161/2024/ND-CP.

Disclose DG from the quotation/booking stage

Pre-check data may be submitted early, but booking should only be confirmed after the UN number, PSN, class/division, PG, quantities, packaging, marks and special conditions align.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This article covers packaged goods, articles, chemicals, batteries, battery-powered equipment and consignments that may be regulated as dangerous goods by sea, air, or multimodal transport with a road leg in Vietnam.

It is not a product-specific classification. Radioactive material, explosives, infectious substances, damaged/defective batteries, temperature-controlled substances and exempted/relieved entries require specialist review.

KEY TERMS

Term	Meaning	Operational role
Dangerous Goods (DG)	Substances or articles capable of posing a hazard in transport and regulated by the applicable mode.	Controls acceptance, packing, marks, labels, documentation, loading and segregation.
UN Number	A four-digit identifier assigned within the UN system.	Primary key for locating the applicable transport entry.
Proper Shipping Name (PSN)	The official transport name associated with the UN number.	Mandatory wording for DG declarations; a marketing name is not a substitute.
Class/Division	Primary hazard class or division.	Determines hazard labels and handling conditions.
Subsidiary Risk	An additional hazard besides the primary hazard.	May require an extra label, segregation and controls.
Packing Group (PG)	PG I, II or III for high, medium or low danger where assigned.	Supports packaging selection and limits; not assigned to every DG entry.
UN Specification Packaging	Performance-tested packaging bearing a prescribed UN mark.	Evidence of packaging suitability when required by the packing instruction.
Limited/Excepted Quantity	Relief mechanisms subject to strict quantity and packaging conditions.	Does not mean the item ceases to be DG.
Marine Pollutant	A substance or mixture classified as a marine pollutant under IMDG.	Affects marking, declaration and sea handling.

SUBSTANCE AND OPERATING MECHANISM

1. Classification follows transport hazards, not the sales name

Names such as perfume, adhesive, ink, power bank or test kit are insufficient. Composition, concentration, physical state, flash point, pressure, reactivity, toxicity, battery rating, condition and packing configuration may be decisive.

2. Transport classification is not identical to GHS/SDS classification

An SDS has a broader workplace and chemical-safety purpose. Section 14 may state transport data, but outdated or generic SDS documents occur. The shipper must verify technical data against the applicable modal regulations.

3. One UN entry activates a chain of requirements

After the UN number and PSN are fixed, review class/division, subsidiary risk, PG, special provisions, packing instruction, quantity limits, packaging, marking, labels, overpack, stowage/segregation, permitted conveyance and documents.

4. The same product may face different sea and air requirements

Air rules impose strict aircraft, quantity, pressure and operator variations. Sea rules add stowage, segregation, marine pollutant, flash point and CTU packing requirements.

Product data → UN Number & PSN → Class/Division & subsidiary risk → PG/special provisions → Packaging & quantity limits → Marks/labels/placards → Modal declaration → Carrier acceptance.

THE NINE DANGEROUS GOODS CLASSES

Class	Name	Typical scope	Main hazard
Class 1	Explosives	Explosive substances and articles, divisions 1.1–1.6.	Mass explosion, projection, fire or minor explosion.
Class 2	Gases	2.1 flammable; 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic; 2.3 toxic.	Pressure, fire, asphyxiation or toxicity.
Class 3	Flammable liquids	Solvents, paints, fuels and mixtures meeting flash-point criteria.	Fire and ignitable vapour.
Class 4	Flammable solids and reactive substances	4.1 flammable solids/self-reactive; 4.2 spontaneous combustion; 4.3 dangerous when wet.	Fire, self-heating and water reaction.
Class 5	Oxidizers and organic peroxides	5.1 oxidizing substances; 5.2 organic peroxides.	Intensified fire, decomposition or violent reaction.
Class 6	Toxic and infectious substances	6.1 toxic; 6.2 infectious.	Acute toxicity and biological hazard.
Class 7	Radioactive material	Material emitting ionizing radiation.	Radiation exposure and contamination.
Class 8	Corrosives	Acids, alkalis and substances meeting transport corrosion criteria.	Chemical burns and corrosion of metals/packagings.
Class 9	Miscellaneous DG	Lithium/sodium-ion batteries, environmentally hazardous substances, dry ice and other entries.	Hazards not exclusively covered by Classes 1–8.

Note: A class describes the hazard type, but the exact Dangerous Goods List entry and its special provisions control the shipment.

DOCUMENTS AND DATA TO CHECK

Document/data	Prepared/issued by	Purpose	Data to lock
Current SDS	Competent manufacturer or supplier	Composition, properties, hazards and transport indications.	Product identity, revision date and consistency of Sections 2, 9, 10, 11 and 14.
Specification/COA/BOM	Manufacturer/laboratory	Concentration, state, flash point, battery rating or construction.	Exact exported model, batch and configuration.
Classification/test evidence	Manufacturer or laboratory	Supports hazard criteria and special conditions.	UN 38.3 test summary when applicable; flash-point, corrosion or reactivity reports.
DG master data sheet	Shipper/DG specialist	Single source for booking and documentation.	UN No., PSN, class, subsidiary risk, PG, marine pollutant, flash point, quantity and packages.
Invoice and Packing List	Seller/shipper	Quantities, model, gross/net weight and packages.	No contradiction with DGD, SDS or booking.
Packaging evidence	Packaging supplier/packer	Correct package type and UN mark where required.	Packaging code, PG performance, closure instructions and validity.
Marks, labels and package photos	Packer/shipper	Pre-check before carrier handover.	UN/PSN marks, hazard labels, arrows, lithium marks, overpack mark and placards.
Emergency response information	Cargo owner/manufacturer	Response to leakage, fire, exposure or accident.	Emergency contact, PPE, first aid and spill/fire response.
Permits and training evidence	Competent authority/organization	Legal, modal and carrier compliance.	Correct goods class, person, route and validity.

DOCUMENT PACKAGE BY MODE

Mode	Core documents	Supporting documents	Critical control
Sea – IMDG	Dangerous Goods Transport Document (often a Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form or carrier DGN) and a Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate where applicable.	SDS, packing list, DG booking approval, package/placard photos, flash point/marine pollutant data; VGM is separate.	IMDG 2024 Edition Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026; carriers may set their own form and cut-off.
Air – ICAO/IATA	Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods where required; Air Waybill.	SDS, test summary, operator approval, packing-instruction evidence and marks/labels photos.	IATA DGR 67th Edition applies 1 Jan–31 Dec 2026; check aircraft and state/operator variations.
Road – Vietnam	The transport hirer prepares four sets of the carriage file. Each includes a consignment note stating the dangerous-goods name, code, class/division, total quantity, packaging, number of packages, production date/place, and the hirer/consignee details. The driver carries the supplied set, permit and training certificate when required.	Where a permit is required, the carrier prepares the permit application, vehicle and driver/escort lists, transport/emergency plan and training evidence; exact components vary by DG class.	Decree 161/2024/ND-CP took effect on 1 January 2025 but was partially amended by Decree 105/2025/ND-CP. The licensing authority varies by DG class and current delegation, including Circular 15/2026/TT-BCT for Ministry of Industry and Trade classes.
Inland waterways – Vietnam	Permit and records under the remaining effective provisions of Decree 34/2024/ND-CP, after relevant partial amendments/repeals.	Special professional certificates for crew and category-specific records.	Road documents do not replace inland-waterway documents; check Decrees 161/2024 and 105/2025 for the current amendment/repeal status.

Do not confuse the two Vietnam road files: the trip carriage file prepared by the transport hirer is different from the carrier’s application dossier for a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit.

Dangerous Goods Manifest/FAL 7: this is vessel/public-authority manifest data, now normally exchanged electronically. It is commonly compiled by the carrier or agent from shipper data and does not replace the shipper’s IMDG Dangerous Goods Transport Document.

PROCESS / HOW TO APPLY

Screen possible DG: batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids, magnets, dry ice, compressed gas, chemicals and energy-containing equipment.
Collect source evidence: current SDS, composition, specification, test reports and exact model photos.
Classify: determine UN number, PSN, class/division, subsidiary risk, PG and special provisions.
Select the mode: check prohibitions, cargo-aircraft-only conditions, container limits, temperature control and segregation.
Select packaging and quantities: apply the correct packing instruction, quantity limit, inner/outer packaging and closure instructions.
Mark and label: complete UN marks, PSN, labels, handling marks, arrows, overpack marks and placards.
Prepare documents: DGD/transport document, AWB or sea forms; reconcile all fields.
Obtain approval and permits: submit early and lock DG cut-off, route, vessel/flight and inland leg.
Perform pre-acceptance inspection: check leakage, damage, obsolete marks, closure, quantities and photos.
Handover and retain records: use trained personnel, maintain emergency contact and retain accepted versions.

RISKS AND COMMON ERRORS

Error	Cause	Impact	Control
Declaring Non-DG from a trade name	Composition, battery, flash point or pressure not reviewed.	Rejection, off-load, penalties or safety incident.	DG screening before quotation and booking.
Using an old or wrong-model SDS	Generic supplier document.	Wrong UN entry, class, PG or packing instruction.	Lock product code, revision and test evidence.
Confusing GHS with transport classification	Decision based only on chemical pictograms.	Under- or over-declaration.	Check the modal transport regulations.
Misusing UN-marked packaging	Packaging code, PG, material or closure not checked.	The package remains non-compliant despite a UN logo.	Validate the full packaging code and closure instructions.
DGD and packing list mismatch	Quantities and package data updated separately.	Carrier rejection or urgent amendment.	Use a controlled DG master data sheet.
Missing subsidiary labels/marks	Only the primary class label applied.	Incomplete hazard communication and failed acceptance.	Use an entry-specific checklist.
Ignoring carrier variation	Only base regulations reviewed.	Carrier refusal despite general permission.	Obtain approval and review carrier variations.
Declaring DG only at terminal	Booking submitted as general cargo.	Missed sailing/flight, storage, repacking or rerouting.	Complete DG declaration before booking confirmation.

LEGAL BASIS AND OFFICIAL SOURCES

Sources reviewed on 21 July 2026. Always use the current edition, addenda/corrigenda, state requirements, carrier variation and route-specific rules.

Source	Scope	Role	Update note
UN Model Regulations Rev.24 (2025)	Multimodal harmonization framework	Classification, listing, packaging, marking, labelling and documentation.	A model framework; modal and national rules govern operations.
IMDG Code 2024 Edition, Amendment 42-24	International sea transport	Packaged DG, containers, stowage and segregation.	Mandatory from 1 January 2026.
ICAO Technical Instructions 2025–2026	International air transport	Detailed instructions under Annex 18.	Valid 1 January 2025–31 December 2026; use it with Addendum No.1 dated 27 March 2026 and Corrigendum No.2 dated 7 May 2026 published under ICAO Doc 9284.
IATA DGR 67th Edition	Commercial air cargo	Industry reference for classify, pack, mark, label, document and accept.	Effective 1 January–31 December 2026; check Addendum 1, State variations and operator variations.
IATA Shipper’s Declaration	Air documentation	DGD/e-DGD prepared by the shipper where required.	Some entries are excepted; verify the provision.
IMO FAL Form 7	Sea DG manifest	Standardized DG information for vessels and public authorities.	Normally compiled by the carrier/agent; FAL reporting is primarily electronic and does not replace the IMDG transport document.
Vietnam Decree 161/2024/ND-CP	Vietnam road transport	DG list, carriage, permits and training certificates.	Effective 1 January 2025; currently partially ineffective following amendments from 1 July 2025.
Vietnam Decree 105/2025/ND-CP	Fire-safety-related authority and permit framework	Partially amended the legal mechanism relevant to dangerous-goods transport permits.	Effective 1 July 2025; read together with Decree 161/2024/ND-CP.
Circular 15/2026/TT-BCT	Delegation for Ministry of Industry and Trade classes	Delegates licensing for Classes 1 (except industrial explosives and explosive precursors), 2, 3, 4 and 9 to provincial People’s Committees.	Applicable from 10 April 2026; current specialist authority for Classes 5 and 8 must still be checked.
Vietnam Decree 34/2024/ND-CP	Vietnam inland waterways	DG list and inland-waterway carriage.	Partially amended/repealed by Decrees 161/2024 and 105/2025; use the remaining effective provisions for inland-waterway carriage.

Translation note: This English version is for operational reference and is not an official legal translation of Vietnamese legislation.

FAQ

1. If an SDS says “Not regulated,” is the cargo definitely Non-DG?

Not necessarily. Verify the exact product, revision, completeness and mode. Batteries, equipment, magnetized material and exempted entries may require more review.

2. Does every DG shipment require UN specification packaging?

No. It depends on the UN entry, packing instruction, package type, quantity regime and mode. Any relief must have a clear basis.

3. What do Packing Groups I, II and III mean?

PG I indicates high danger, PG II medium and PG III low danger for entries assigned a PG. Not all DG classes use PG.

4. Do lithium battery shipments always require a Shipper’s Declaration?

No. Requirements depend on battery type, rating, quantity, packing configuration, condition, packing instruction and operator variation.

5. Can the same DGD be used for sea and air?

Do not assume so. The underlying data may be shared, but forms, certification wording, quantity limits and modal requirements differ.

6. Can a freight forwarder classify the goods for the shipper?

A forwarder may support the process, but the shipper/manufacturer must provide accurate data and remains responsible.

7. Does a Vietnam road permit replace IMDG or IATA documents?

No. It covers the inland road requirement only; the international mode still requires its own documents.

APPLICATION NOTE: DG status depends on the actual product, test data, packing configuration, quantity, route, mode and current rules. Do not assign a UN number or packing instruction from this article alone.

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