This article organizes the document and packaging compliance rules for dangerous goods in European road freight, covering core document lists, DGD filling essentials, and outer packaging labeling rules. It helps shippers complete declarations and labeling correctly, ensure safe and compliant transportation, and avoid rejection, fines or delays caused by incomplete documents or improper packaging.
For dangerous goods transportation, compliant documents and packaging labels are not only mandatory legal requirements, but also the lifeline for ensuring the safety of personnel, the environment, and property during transportation.
If dangerous goods are not declared in accordance with regulations, documents are incomplete, labels are missing, or information is inconsistent, the carrier will not only reject the goods, but also cause transportation abnormalities, resulting in empty pick-up fees, waiting fees, or even high fines.
Ⅰ. Core Document Checklist
Shippers must provide the following up-to-date English documents:
1. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Function: It explains the chemical properties and safety information of the goods, serves as the information source for dangerous goods identification, and is the basis for preparing the DGD. It is usually issued by the goods manufacturer or supplier.
2. UN38.3 Test Report (only required for lithium battery goods)
Function: It is a simulated environmental safety test report for lithium battery transportation, proving that the battery is safe and reliable under normal transportation conditions.
3. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
Function: It is a formal declaration by the shipper that the goods being transported are dangerous goods, and the shipper is responsible for the accuracy of the information.
This document is a legal document that must be submitted to the carrier during transportation. (The template of this document can be downloaded on the details page after placing an order)
It is recommended to prepare the following supplementary documents at the same time:
Packaging Qualification Certificate (English version)
Actual photos of packaging and labeling
Ⅱ. Key Points for Filling in the Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
First, fill in the regular transportation information such as the places of origin and destination correctly, and then fill in the dangerous goods information column (the core part) according to the actual situation of the goods. Some information can be found in the MSDS.
DGD documents are usually in full English/German. For easy understanding, please refer to the main content and filling format required in the following table.
Ⅲ. Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Overall Packaging
The vehicle or equipment must be firmly bundled
Battery interfaces must be disconnected/power must be turned off
Prevent tipping or friction during transportation
It is recommended to protect the high-voltage interface with a fire blanket/protective cover
Exposed high-voltage cables are not allowed
Outer Packaging
Correct dangerous goods labels, including UN number and corresponding hazard class, must be pasted in prominent positions (front and both sides of the pallet, at least 2 copies)
If there are special circumstances such as fragility, overweight, or non-stackable, corresponding prompt labels should be pasted
If the exemption conditions are met, the requirements of the label can be implemented refer to below table.
Before loading, be sure to conduct a three-way check of "documents - goods - labels" to ensure complete consistency.