DANGEROUS GOODS TRANSPORTATION: CLASSIFICATION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

I. What Are Dangerous Goods?

      Dangerous goods are items that contain hazardous substances during transportation, which may pose risks such as explosions, flammability, toxicity, infection, or corrosiveness. These goods can endanger human life, health, the environment, safety, and security, so they must be carefully packaged, labeled, and handled throughout the transportation process.

II. Classification of Dangerous Goods

Based on their physical and chemical characteristics, dangerous goods are divided into 9 major classes:

Image 1: Dangerous Goods Classification

Class 1 – Explosives
     Includes substances and materials with explosive properties (e.g., fireworks). Subdivisions (1.1–1.6) are based on the level and type of explosion risk.

Class 2 – Gases
     Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases. Subdivisions include flammable gases, non-flammable non-toxic gases, and toxic gases.

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
     Includes flammable liquids and desensitized liquid explosives (e.g., paints, gasoline, alcohol).

Class 4 – Flammable Solids and Reactive Substances
     Substances that can ignite easily, self-react, or release flammable gases when in contact with water. This class has subdivisions for solids, self-reactive substances, and water-reactive materials.

Class 5 – Oxidizing and Organic Peroxides
     Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides that can cause or enhance combustion.

Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances
     Includes toxic chemicals and infectious materials such as medical specimens.

Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
     Substances with radioactive properties that pose radiological hazards.

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances
     Materials that can destroy living tissue or corrode metals (e.g., acids, bleach).

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
     Other hazardous materials not covered in Classes 1–8.

     To determine the correct class, refer to Section 14 (Transport Information) on the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or consult the hazard label on the product packaging.

III. Packaging, Containers, and Packing of Dangerous Goods

• Packaging, containers, and the packing of dangerous goods within Vietnam must comply with the relevant national standards (TCVN) or national technical regulations (QCVN) applicable to each type of goods.

For types or groups of dangerous goods that do not yet have specific national standards or technical regulations, the regulations of the relevant management ministry should be followed, or international standards and technical regulations published by the ministry may be applied.

• The relevant management ministry publishes the applicable international standards and technical regulations for the packaging, containers, and packing of dangerous goods under its jurisdiction.

Image 2: Dangerous Goods Packaging

IV. Dangerous Goods Labels and Hazard Signs

1. Dangerous goods must be labeled according to government regulations.
2. On the exterior of each package or container, dangerous goods must display hazard symbols and hazard signs in clearly visible positions. The size, symbols, and colors of the hazard symbols must comply with the prescribed standards.
3. The hazard sign is a rectangular, orange-yellow label with the UN number (United Nations number) displayed in the center. The size of the hazard sign must follow the prescribed standards, and it should be placed below the hazard symbol.

     Contact us today to learn more about our Whole Package DG Transportation & Handling service, and ensure the safe and compliant shipping of your hazardous cargo.