- The concept and legal role of the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG) in international transport.
- The mandatory items that must appear on the declaration under the IATA DGR and IMO IMDG Code.
- How responsibility is allocated: the shipper is accountable for the accuracy of the information.
- Advice from VPL on completing DG documents accurately and avoiding the risk of refusal of carriage.
What is the SDDG and why is it vital?
In international transport, especially by air and sea, carrying dangerous goods (DG) always comes with strict safety standards. One of the most important documents, regarded as the "passport" for every DG shipment, is the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG).
The SDDG is more than a simple information form. It is a legal document by which the shipper certifies that the goods have been classified, packed, labelled and declared in accordance with international regulations such as the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport or the IMDG Code for sea transport. Without this document, or if it contains errors, shipping lines and airlines have the right to refuse the shipment immediately to protect the vehicle and people.
Mandatory information on the dangerous goods declaration
A standard SDDG (especially the IATA form for air transport) demands absolute accuracy. Below are the core groups of information that companies need to pay attention to:
1. Information about the parties
- Shipper: The full name and address of the sender.
- Consignee: The name and address of the receiver.
- Air Waybill Number: For air transport, the air waybill number must be entered accurately for cross-checking.
2. Details of the dangerous goods (Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods)
This is the most important section, and the person completing the declaration must be familiar with the list of dangerous goods. The information includes:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Number | A four-digit number assigned by the United Nations (for example, UN 3480 for lithium-ion batteries). |
| Proper Shipping Name (PSN) | The exact shipping name as prescribed; trade names must not be used. |
| Class or Division | The hazard class (classes 1 to 9). |
| Packing Group (PG) | The packing group (I, II or III) indicating the degree of danger of the goods. |
| Quantity and Type of Packing | The quantity and type of packaging used (for example, fibreboard box, steel drum). |
| Packing Instruction | The corresponding packing instruction code in the IATA/IMO regulations. |
3. Handling and warning information
The shipper must state clearly whether the goods may be carried only on a cargo aircraft (Cargo Aircraft Only) or may also travel on a passenger aircraft. In addition, an emergency response telephone number is usually required so that contact can be made in the event of an incident.
Who is responsible for preparing and signing the SDDG?
Under international regulations, the shipper bears the highest and final responsibility for the content of the SDDG. Although a company may engage a forwarder or logistics provider such as VPL for advice, the signature on the declaration must be that of an authorised representative of the shipper or a lawfully authorised person who has received dangerous goods training.
Signing the SDDG means the shipper certifies that the goods are fully and accurately described by their proper shipping name, and are classified, packed, marked, labelled and in proper condition for transport according to the applicable international and national regulations.
If an incident occurs because of a false declaration or packaging that does not meet standards, the shipper faces heavy legal liability, including administrative fines, compensation to the carrier for damages, and even criminal liability if serious consequences result.
Common errors that delay shipments
In supporting customers, VPL has noticed several common errors that companies make when preparing the SDDG:
- Wrong shipping name (PSN): Using an overly detailed chemical name or a trade name instead of the standard name in the DG list.
- Missing emergency contact information: Some countries and airlines require a 24/7 telephone number with English-speaking capability.
- Invalid erasures or corrections: Every amendment on the declaration must be signed by the shipper, matching the signature on the declaration. In practice, it is better to prepare a new declaration to avoid rejection.
- Mismatch with labels: Information on the SDDG (such as UN Number and Class) must match exactly the actual labels on the packages.
Safe dangerous goods shipping solutions with VPL
Preparing the SDDG yourself can be a major challenge for non-specialist companies, especially as dangerous goods regulations are updated every year. At Viet Power Logistics (VPL), we offer an end-to-end solution to ease this burden for our customers:
- Document review: VPL helps review the MSDS and related documents and guides customers in completing the SDDG.
- Packing advice: Ensuring that packing and labelling comply with the Packing Instruction stated on the declaration.
- Transport connection: With strengths in air and sea freight, VPL helps your DG shipment clear customs quickly and travel safely to its destination.
We understand that a small error on a document can lead to major losses in cost and time. Let VPL accompany your company in controlling risk and optimising your dangerous goods shipping process.
This article is for general information and was compiled by VPL from public sources at the time of publication. Regulations may change – please contact VPL for advice on your specific shipment.