Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods touch the declaration through authorisations, prohibitions and restrictions attached to the goods code, and through the transport rules in ADR, IMDG and IATA. These terms connect the chemical classification to what Customs wants to see.
- ADRADR is the European agreement on the carriage of dangerous goods by road. It determines classification, packing, labelling and the transport documents, not the goods code on the customs declaration.
- REACHREACH is the EU regulation that has chemical substances registered, evaluated, authorised and restricted before they are placed on the market. Without registration a substance above the threshold may not be imported, even if the customs declaration is correct.
- Safety data sheetThe safety data sheet is the sixteen-section document with which you underpin the classification, the REACH status and the transport requirements of a substance. At a customs control it is usually the first document that is asked for.
- UN numberA UN number is the four-digit code that identifies a dangerous substance or a group of substances in transport, for example UN 1203 for petrol. Together with class and packing group it determines how the consignment is packed, labelled and documented.
Frequently asked questions about dangerous goods
What are dangerous goods in the customs process?
Dangerous goods are goods that present a risk during transport or storage and therefore need a UN number, a class and specific documents. They touch the customs declaration through authorisations, prohibitions and restrictions attached to the goods code.
What is a UN number?
A UN number is a four-digit code that identifies a dangerous substance or a group of substances, for example UN 1203 for petrol. Together with the packing group it determines how the consignment must be transported, labelled and documented.
What is the difference between ADR, IMDG and IATA-DGR?
ADR applies to road transport, IMDG to sea transport and IATA-DGR to air freight. The classification of the substance is the same, but the packaging requirements, quantity limits and documents differ per mode.
What does REACH mean for import?
REACH obliges the importer to register chemical substances above one tonne per year with ECHA before they enter the EU market. Without registration the substance may not be imported, regardless of whether the customs declaration is otherwise correct.
Do you need a safety data sheet for the declaration?
The safety data sheet is not a standard part of the customs declaration, but you do need it to substantiate the goods code and the transport requirements. During a control it is usually the first document that is requested.