Dangerous goods transport (UN number, IMDG, ADR, IATA)
Flammable, corrosive, toxic, oxidising or environmentally hazardous substances are governed by mode-specific rules: the IMDG Code at sea, ADR by road, RID by rail and IATA DGR by air. Each substance is identified by a four-digit UN number (e.g. UN1823 sodium hydroxide, solid), a hazard class (1–9) and a packing group (I–III), all given in section 14 of the SDS. UN-approved packaging, class labels, a dangerous goods declaration and trained staff are compulsory; freight and insurance cost more than for general cargo, and some ships and ports refuse certain classes.
Related terms
GHS / CLP classification and labelling (pictograms, H and P statements)
The UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifies the physical, health and environmental hazards of chemicals by the same criteria worldwide; in the EU it is applied through the CLP Regulation. Labels carry the relevant red-bordered pictograms (nine in total), the signal word “Danger” or “Warning”, hazard (H) statements such as H314 “causes severe skin burns” and precautionary (P) statements. The classification is given in section 2 of the SDS, must match the package label, and labels must be in the language of the destination country.
Safety data sheet (SDS / MSDS)
A document setting out, in 16 standard sections following the GHS, a chemical’s hazards and information on safe handling, storage, transport, personal protective equipment, first aid, firefighting, accidental release and disposal. It is mandatory for hazardous substances under REACH in the EU and similar laws elsewhere, and must be supplied in the recipient’s language. Carriers and customs rely on section 14 for dangerous-goods classification and the UN number.
ISO tank (tank container)
A reusable tank of about 20,000–26,000 litres, usually stainless steel, set in a steel frame with 20-foot container dimensions. It is suitable for chemicals, solvents, dangerous goods classed under the IMDG Code and food-grade liquids, with options for heating jackets, pressure rating and insulation. A cleaning certificate (ECD) is required before each loading, and previous cargoes (usually the last three) are checked for compatibility.