Dangerous Goods Certificate (DGC) for Export from India

What is a Dangerous Goods Certificate (DGC)?

A Dangerous Goods Certificate (DGC) is a document required for the transportation and export of hazardous materials, ensuring that the goods comply with international safety and handling regulations. It certifies that the product is classified, packed, labeled, and transported according to International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), and UN regulations.

📌 Issued By:

• DG Certified Agencies (IATA/IMDG-approved labs)

• Government-authorized testing laboratories

• Independent Certification Bodies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, TUV, etc.)

📌 Regulated By:

• IATA (International Air Transport Association) – Air Cargo

• IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) – Sea Freight

• UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

• Indian Explosives Act & Hazardous Material Regulations

📌 Purpose:

• Ensures safe handling, storage, and transportation of dangerous goods.

• Complies with global shipping and customs clearance requirements.

Who Needs a Dangerous Goods Certificate?

✅ Chemical & Pharmaceutical Exporters – API chemicals, solvents, reagents.
✅ Petroleum & Lubricant Companies – Fuel, diesel, lubricants, compressed gases.
✅ Paints, Dyes & Pigments Industry – Solvent-based paints, dyes, varnishes.
✅ Agrochemical Manufacturers – Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides.
✅ Explosives & Fireworks Industry – Gunpowder, fireworks, propellants.
✅ Battery & Electronics Exporters – Lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries.
✅ Industrial Gas Suppliers – Compressed and liquefied gases.

Products Requiring a Dangerous Goods Certificate

🔹 Flammable Liquids & Solvents – Alcohol, petrol, diesel, acetone.
🔹 Compressed Gases – Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, LPG.
🔹 Corrosive Substances – Acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), alkalis.
🔹 Toxic & Infectious Substances – Pesticides, biohazard materials.
🔹 Explosives & Fireworks – Gunpowder, detonators, fireworks.
🔹 Radioactive Materials – Uranium, medical isotopes.
🔹 Oxidizing Substances – Hydrogen peroxide, nitrates.
🔹 Lithium-Ion Batteries & Electrical Components – Battery packs, power banks.

How to Obtain a Dangerous Goods Certificate?

📌 Apply through IATA/IMDG-approved Dangerous Goods Certification Bodies

Application Process

1️⃣ Classify the Dangerous Goods – Determine the UN hazard class and category.
2️⃣ Conduct Safety Testing – Ensure compliance with transport regulations.
3️⃣ Prepare Safety Documentation – Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) required.
4️⃣ Packaging & Labeling – As per IATA/IMDG/UN standards.
5️⃣ Inspection & Certification – Approval from a DG-certified lab or agency.
6️⃣ Certificate Issuance – Required for customs clearance and shipping.

Documents Required for a Dangerous Goods Certificate

📜 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Chemical composition, hazard details.
📜 Product Technical Specifications – Physical and chemical properties.
📜 Packing & Labeling Compliance Report – UN-certified packaging details.
📜 Test Reports from Certified Lab – Flammability, toxicity, stability reports.
📜 Manufacturer/Exporter License – Business registration and export license.
📜 Transport Documents – Air Waybill (AWB) for air or Bill of Lading (BL) for sea.

Why is a Dangerous Goods Certificate Important?

✅ Mandatory for International Export of Hazardous Goods
✅ Ensures Safe Handling, Storage, and Transportation
✅ Required for Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance
✅ Prevents Legal Issues & Shipping Delays
✅ Enhances Safety for Transport Workers & End-Users