Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Products Logistics in India
IATA DGR Air Freight, IMDG Ocean Freight & In-House DG Customs Clearance
Clearfast provides specialist freight forwarding for IATA DGR and IMDG-classified dangerous goods from India, covering flammable liquids and solids, corrosives, oxidisers, toxic substances, lithium batteries, aerosols, paints, adhesives, and industrial chemicals across all nine UN hazard classes, by both air and ocean, from every major Indian gateway.
Every hazardous shipment Clearfast handles is correctly classified to its UN number and packing group, packed to the applicable IATA Packing Instruction or IMDG packaging standard, and documented with a compliant Shipper’s Declaration or Dangerous Goods manifest, all by Clearfast’s own DG-trained team. No subcontracted DG desk, no shipper self-packing of regulated cargo, and no split accountability between freight and customs.
Mission
To leverage our international partnerships, provide our customers with the best in Shipping and ensure their total satisfaction by developing good relations and highly responsive service standards.
Vision
To set standards of excellence in its service to its customers through total commitment to quality. Our commitment to customers is always our first priority. We believe in building long relationships with our customers.
9 UN Hazard
Classes Covered
IATA + IMDG
Dual-Mode Trained
In-House
Classification to Customs
25+ Years
Dangerous Goods Logistics
End-to-End Dangerous Goods Logistics Services | Classification, Packing, Freight & Customs, In-House
Dangerous goods logistics demands a level of technical training and regulatory currency that general freight forwarders cannot provide. Every service Clearfast delivers for hazardous cargo is managed by our own DG-trained team: no third-party DG desk, no shipper self-packing of regulated cargo, no split accountability between freight and customs.
In-house classification & SDS review
Every shipment's UN number, hazard class, and packing group is confirmed against the product's safety data sheet by Clearfast's own DG-trained staff before any packing or booking begins.
UN-specification packaging, prepared in-house
Packaging is selected and assembled to the applicable IATA Packing Instruction or IMDG standard at Clearfast's own DG staging facility. Shippers are not expected to self-package regulated cargo.
Both modes, one team
The same team advises on air versus ocean, prepares the declaration for either mode, and handles customs, eliminating the coordination gap between freight and DG compliance that arises when air and ocean DG are handled by separate specialists.
Full documentation in-house
Shipper's Declaration, DG Declaration, container packing certificate, UN markings, SDS handling, and Shipping Bill are all prepared by Clearfast, not the shipper.
Carrier acceptance management
Airline and shipping-line DG acceptance approvals are confirmed for the specific UN number and quantity before cargo is tendered, including ocean segregation checks ahead of co-loading.
Chemical export licensing
DGFT licensing for controlled and dual-use chemicals is coordinated alongside customs clearance for regulated substance categories, rather than treated as a separate process.
Trust and Worth
Our Clients
How Clearfast Handles a Dangerous Goods Shipment: From Classification to Carrier Acceptance
Clearfast manages every stage of the DG shipment chain in-house, including classification, packing, declaration, booking, and customs. Misclassification and non-compliant packing are the two most common causes of cargo rejection at the airline or terminal acceptance desk; both are eliminated before the shipment is tendered.
Classification & UN number review
Clearfast’s DG-trained team reviews the product’s safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS) to confirm the correct UN number, hazard class, packing group, and proper shipping name before any packing or booking begins. Misclassification is the single most common cause of DG cargo rejection.
Packaging selection & preparation
UN-specification packaging is selected to the applicable IATA Packing Instruction or IMDG standard, inner receptacles, absorbent, cushioning, and UN-marked outer packaging. Prepared in-house at our DG staging facility, not left to the shipper to self-package.
Marking, labelling & documentation
Correct hazard labels, UN markings, handling labels, and orientation arrows are applied. Clearfast prepares the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (air) or DG Declaration and container packing certificate (ocean), plus commercial invoice, packing list, and SDS.
Carrier acceptance & booking
DG cargo is booked with carriers holding the relevant DG acceptance approval. Clearfast confirms airline or shipping-line acceptance of the specific UN number and quantity before cargo is tendered, including segregation checks for ocean co-loading.
Customs clearance & export filing
In-house licensed CHA team files the Shipping Bill, handles any DGFT licensing for controlled chemicals, and coordinates with customs on hazard documentation, initiating RoDTEP and drawback claims as standard.
Acceptance handling & transit monitoring
Cargo is presented to the DG acceptance desk with the full declaration set. Clearfast staff manage acceptance queries, physical inspection, and segregation at the terminal, then monitor transit through to destination delivery.
Dangerous Goods Classes Clearfast Ships from India | All Nine UN Hazard Classes
The UN classifies every dangerous good into one of nine hazard classes based on its primary risk. Clearfast handles industrial and commercial dangerous goods across all nine categories, from flammable solvents and lithium batteries to corrosive acids and miscellaneous hazards. For Class 6.2 biological substances and DG-classified pharmaceutical cargo, see our specialist Biological Sample and Pharmaceutical Logistics pages.
Class 2: Gases
UN1950 · UN1013 · IATA PI200
Aerosols, compressed and liquefied gases, refrigerant gases, and CO₂ cartridges are flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gas subdivisions, each with distinct acceptance limits by air and sea.
Class 3: Flammable liquids
UN1263 · UN1993 · IATA PI353 / PI364
Paints, varnishes, printing inks, solvents, alcohols, perfumery products, and adhesives are the most common DG category exported from India, with packing group I/II/III determining quantity limits.
Class 4: Flammable solids & reactives
Div 4.1 / 4.2 / 4.3
Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, pyrophorics, and substances that emit flammable gas on contact with water, metal powders, matches, sulphur, and certain industrial intermediates.
Class 5: Oxidizers & organic peroxides
Div 5.1 / 5.2
Oxidising agents and organic peroxides, hydrogen peroxide solutions, ammonium nitrate-based products, and bleaching compounds require temperature control and segregation from flammables.
Class 6.1: Toxic substances
UN2811 · IATA PI604 / PI669
Toxic chemicals, pesticides, agrochemicals, and certain dyes require segregation from foodstuffs and strict packaging integrity. (Class 6.2 infectious substances are handled on our Biological Samples page.)
Class 8: Corrosives
UN1789 · UN1830 · IATA PI851 / PI855
Acids, alkalis, battery fluid, and corrosive cleaning compounds are packed in group-dependent inner/outer packaging with acid-resistant containment and absorbent material.
Class 9: Miscellaneous & lithium batteries
UN3480 · UN3481 · IATA PI965–970
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries (standalone, in equipment, packed with equipment), magnetised material, dry ice, environmentally hazardous substances, and elevated-temperature cargo are the fastest-growing DG segments, driven by electronics and EV exports.
Class 1 / 7: On assessment
Explosives · Radioactive
Class 1 explosives and Class 7 radioactive material are handled selectively on a case-by-case basis, subject to licensing, carrier acceptance, and regulatory clearance, as discussed at the assessment stage.
Talk to Clearfast Dangerous Goods: Classification, Packing, Freight & Customs from Every Indian Gateway
Whether you have a lithium battery shipment that needs PI verification, bulk chemicals moving DG-LCL through JNPT, or a controlled substance requiring DGFT coordination, Clearfast's DG team handles it in-house, with IATA DGR and IMDG-trained staff and licensed customs clearance as standard.
Dangerous Goods Logistics Clients | Who Clearfast Ships For from India
Clearfast handles hazardous product logistics for every type of manufacturer and exporter whose products carry a UN hazard classification. Below are the client types we work with most frequently.
Chemical & specialty chemical manufacturers
Paint, ink & coating exporters
Lithium battery & electronics manufacturers
Agrochemical & pesticide producers
Cosmetics & perfumery exporters (flammable)
Adhesives, sealants & resin manufacturers
Industrial gas & aerosol fillers
Automotive & EV component exporters
DG by Air vs DG by Ocean | IATA DGR and IMDG Code, Both Handled In-House
Dangerous goods are regulated by different rule sets depending on the mode: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air, the IMDG Code for ocean. A substance acceptable by sea may be forbidden or quantity-limited by air, and the packaging, marking, and documentation differ between the two. Clearfast advises on the optimal mode per shipment rather than defaulting to one.
Air freight: IATA DGR
- Governed by IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, updated annually
- Strict per-package quantity limits by packing instruction
- Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is mandatory
- Faster transit suited to high-value or urgent DG
- Lithium battery state-of-charge and PI compliance critical
- Priority NFO routing from CSIA, DEL, BLR, HYD, MAA
Ocean freight: IMDG Code
- Governed by the IMO IMDG Code for sea transport
- Higher quantity tolerance for FCL and LCL DG
- Dangerous Goods Declaration and container packing certificate required
- Cost-effective for bulk chemicals, paints, and corrosives
- Segregation rules govern the co-loading of incompatible classes
- DG FCL and approved DG-LCL via JNPT, Mundra, Chennai
What Happens When Dangerous Goods Are Handled by a Non-Specialist Agent
Most general freight forwarders in India are not trained or certified for IATA DGR or IMDG cargo. The consequences range from cargo rejection at the acceptance desk to fines, carrier blacklisting, and, in the worst case, an in-transit incident with regulatory and insurance fallout.
Without an Aviation Specialist
Incorrect classification or UN number:
A solvent shipped under the wrong UN number or packing group is rejected at acceptance, or worse, accepted and creates an undeclared in-transit hazard with serious liability.
Non-compliant or shipper self-packed DG:
The carrier rejects the cargo at the DG acceptance desk. New UN-spec packaging must be sourced within days of delay, and a re-declaration filed from scratch.
Lithium battery PI / SoC errors:
Incorrect state-of-charge or wrong packing instruction on a lithium battery shipment is the most heavily scrutinised DG category, leading to airline rejection or fines.
Ocean segregation conflict:
Incompatible DG classes co-loaded in one container or stowed together create a segregation breach that can void insurance and trigger terminal rejection.
With Clearfast
Classification confirmed from the SDS:
DG-trained staff verify the UN number, class, and packing group from the safety data sheet before any packing begins. The classification is documented before the shipment is tendered.
UN-spec packaging prepared in-house:
Packaging is selected and prepared by Clearfast’s DG team to the applicable IATA PI or IMDG standard. The shipper is not expected to self-package regulated cargo.
Lithium batteries handled by the current PI:
State-of-charge, watt-hour marking, and the correct PI965–970 section are verified against the current IATA edition before tender.
Segregation checked before co-load:
Clearfast applies IMDG segregation rules at the booking stage, confirming class compatibility before any DG-LCL consolidation.
Why Clearfast Is Qualified to Handle Dangerous Goods from India
IATA and IMO require that all personnel who classify, pack, mark, and accept dangerous goods hold current DG training. This is not universal among Indian freight forwarders; many of whom subcontract DG shipments to a separate specialist, creating accountability gaps that are unacceptable for hazardous cargo.
IATA-accredited agent
Air freight
IATA DGR-certified staff
DG training
IMDG Code-trained
Ocean DG
UN-spec packaging in-house
Packing
Licensed CHA, CBIC-registered
Customs
25+ years
Experience
In-house DG-trained staff
Classification, packing, marking, and declaration preparation are handled by Clearfast’s own IATA DGR and IMDG-certified team, with no subcontracting at any stage.
Both modes, one team
The same team advises on air versus ocean, prepares the declaration for either mode, and handles customs, eliminating the coordination gap between freight and DG compliance.
Full documentation in-house
Shipper’s Declaration, DG Declaration, container packing certificate, UN markings, SDS handling, and Shipping Bill prepared by Clearfast, not the shipper.
Chemical export licensing
DGFT licensing for controlled and dual-use chemicals is coordinated alongside customs clearance for regulated substance categories.
Dangerous Goods Freight from Every Major Indian Air & Sea Gateway
Clearfast holds IATA accreditation and DG-trained staff at India's primary air and ocean gateways with established DG acceptance relationships at each. Hazardous cargo requires gateway-level familiarity with carrier acceptance policies and terminal DG handling that general forwarders do not have.
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Mumbai CSIA / JNPT
Largest DG air hub + JNPT DG ocean terminal.
Air + Ocean -
Gujarat Mundra / AMD
Chemical belt gateway: paints, solvents, agrochem.
Air + Ocean -
Delhi NCR IGI
Northern DG air freight: batteries, cosmetics.
Air -
Chennai MAA / Chennai Port
Southern DG corridor: automotive & chemical.
Air + Ocean -
Bengaluru BLR
Electronics & lithium battery DG air freight.
Air -
Hyderabad RGIA
Pharma-adjacent chemical & DG air freight.
Air -
Kolkata CCU / Haldia
Eastern India industrial & chemical DG.
Air + Ocean -
Kochi / Cochin Port
West coast chemical & marine DG ocean freight.
Ocean
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Frequently Asked Questions
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations govern the transport of hazardous materials by air and are updated annually; the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code governs transport by sea. They differ in quantity limits, packaging standards, marking, and documentation. A substance permitted by sea may be forbidden or strictly quantity-limited by air. Clearfast is trained in both and advises on the optimal mode per shipment rather than defaulting to one.
Every hazardous product’s UN number, hazard class, and packing group are derived from its Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), which the manufacturer must provide. Clearfast’s DG team reviews the SDS to confirm the correct classification and proper shipping name before any packing or booking begins. Misclassification is the most common cause of DG cargo rejection, so this is always confirmed and documented before the shipment is tendered.
Yes, but lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481 for lithium-ion; UN3090, UN3091 for lithium-metal) are among the most heavily regulated DG categories. The applicable IATA Packing Instruction (PI965–970) depends on whether the cells are shipped standalone, packed with equipment, or installed in equipment, and state-of-charge limits apply. Clearfast verifies the watt-hour rating, state-of-charge, and the correct PI section against the current IATA edition before tendering the shipment.
Standard DG export documentation includes the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (air) or DG Declaration plus container packing certificate (ocean), the Safety Data Sheet, a commercial invoice and packing list, the Shipping Bill filed on ICEGATE, and, for controlled or dual-use chemicals, any DGFT licence. Clearfast prepares and coordinates the complete set in-house, reducing the risk of acceptance-desk rejection and customs holds.
Clearfast prepares UN-specification packaging in-house to the applicable IATA Packing Instruction or IMDG standard, inner receptacles, absorbent material, cushioning, and UN-marked outer packaging with correct labels and markings. Shippers are not expected to self-package regulated cargo, which is the most common source of acceptance-desk rejections when handled by non-specialists.
Clearfast routinely handles Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8, and 9, including lithium batteries. Class 1 explosives and Class 7 radioactive material are handled selectively on a case-by-case basis, subject to licensing, carrier acceptance, and regulatory clearance. These are discussed at the assessment stage. Class 6.2 infectious substances and DG-classified pharmaceutical cargo are handled via our dedicated Biological Samples and Pharmaceutical Logistics teams.