Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD): Required Data, Process and Preparation

In short: The Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG, DGD for short) is the shipper’s legally binding statement that dangerous goods are correctly classified, packed, marked and declared. It is mandatory in air transport (IATA DGR), is called the Dangerous Goods Declaration in sea transport (IMDG Code) and corresponds to the transport document in road transport (ADR).

What is the DGD and who needs it?

The DGD is the shipper’s central document when transporting dangerous goods. It contains the information carriers, handling companies and authorities need for safe handling and documents that the shipper has complied with the regulations. The consignor is always responsible, even if the preparation is delegated to a trained employee or a service provider.

Which regulations apply?

Regulations and terms differ by mode of transport:

  • Air: IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) – Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, signed by the shipper
  • Sea: IMDG Code (Chapter 5.4) – Dangerous Goods Declaration, plus the container/vehicle packing certificate for containers
  • Road: ADR (Chapter 5.4) – transport document with the prescribed particulars

Rail (RID) and inland waterways (ADN) are not covered by this guide; eDGD covers road, sea and air.

Required data in the DGD

Details vary by regulation. Typically they include:

  • Name and address of the consignor and consignee
  • UN number, proper shipping name and, where required, the technical name
  • Hazard class with subsidiary hazards and packing group
  • Number and type of packages and the total quantity per entry
  • Emergency contact, where required by the mode of transport or carrier
  • The shipper’s declaration of conformity and signature (an electronic signature for electronic transmission)

Preparation in five steps

  1. Identify and classify: determine UN number, name, class and packing group using the regulations.
  2. Check packaging and quantities: comply with the packing instruction and quantity limits of the chosen mode of transport.
  3. Mark and label: apply hazard labels, UN number and other markings to the packages.
  4. Prepare and check the document: record all required data completely and consistently and check for plausibility.
  5. Sign, hand over, retain: hand the document to the carrier and keep copies (generally three months under ADR and the IATA DGR).

Common errors

Typical objections are wrong or missing UN numbers, imprecise names, wrong units of quantity, missing signatures and outdated versions of the regulations. The IATA DGR are published annually and the IMDG Code is amended regularly – anyone preparing documents by hand or from templates risks rejection, delays and fines.

Responsibility and training

The shipper is liable for the accuracy and completeness of the information. Everyone who classifies, packs, marks or declares dangerous goods must be trained under the applicable regulations. Our dangerous goods seminars provide practical knowledge.

Frequently asked questions about the DGD

What does DGD stand for?

DGD stands for Dangerous Goods Declaration or Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods – the shipper’s dangerous goods declaration.

Who has to prepare the DGD?

The consignor (shipper). They may appoint a trained employee or a service provider but remain responsible for its accuracy.

Is there a DGD for road transport as well?

Under ADR the corresponding document is called the transport document. It contains comparable information but is not a Shipper’s Declaration within the meaning of the IATA DGR.

Can the DGD be prepared electronically?

Yes. Depending on the mode of transport and carrier, electronic preparation and transmission is permitted; in air transport in accordance with the IATA DGR and subject to the carrier’s acceptance.

Preparing dangerous goods documents regularly? With eDGD from NMMN you create DGDs and transport documents online for road (ADR), sea (IMDG) and air (IATA DGR). Try it free for 30 days.

Read more: ADR, IMDG Code and IATA DGR at a glance · Transport documents for dangerous goods

All information without guarantee. The current versions of ADR, the IMDG Code and the IATA DGR are authoritative.