From lithium batteries to luxury perfumes—here is how to ship hazardous materials without getting fined, delayed, or banned.
When you hear "Dangerous Goods" (DG), you probably picture barrels of toxic sludge or radioactive waste. You probably don't picture an iPhone, a bottle of nail polish, or a can of whipped cream.
But in the eyes of a shipping carrier, they are exactly the same.
In 2026, the definition of Dangerous Goods has tightened significantly. With new IATA regulations for lithium batteries and stricter customs enforcement in the EU and US, getting it wrong doesn't just mean a returned package. It means fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per violation.
If you are an e-commerce merchant, you are likely shipping DG without even knowing it. This guide is your safety manual. We will break down the 9 hazard classes, the new 2026 rules, and exactly how to pass the baton to FedEx, UPS, and DHL safely.
Dangerous Goods (often called Hazmat in the US) are articles or substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment.
Many common e-commerce items fall into Class 9 (Miscellaneous) or Class 3 (Flammable Liquids). Check your catalog for these "hidden" hazards:
Lithium Batteries: Laptops, phones, power banks, and even "singing" greeting cards.
Aerosols: Hairspray, deodorant, whipped cream, cooking spray.
Flammable Liquids: Perfume, cologne, nail polish, rubbing alcohol, essential oils.
Flammable Solids: Matches, solid fuel starters.
Oxidizers: Hair dye, teeth whitening kits.
⚠️ The Golden Rule: Never assume an item is safe just because you bought it at a supermarket. If it can leak, explode, or burn, it needs a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
If you are using a guide from 2024, you are non-compliant. Here are the critical updates effective January 1, 2026, primarily driven by the 67th Edition of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
For air transport, lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment (UN 3481) and vehicles powered by lithium batteries (UN 3556) must now be offered for transport at a State of Charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity.
IATA has introduced new proper shipping names for vehicles powered by multiple sources. You can no longer just declare "Vehicle." You must use specific UN numbers like:
The EU has removed the customs duty exemption for parcels under €150 and is cracking down heavily on non-compliant DG imports. Expect nearly 100% digital scrutiny on inbound hazmat paperwork.
Getting the packaging wrong is the #1 reason for rejected shipments. Follow this 4-step workflow.
Contact your manufacturer for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). You cannot ship without it. It will tell you the UN Number (e.g., UN 1266 for Perfume) and the Packing Group (I, II, or III).
You cannot use a standard brown box. You need UN-Specification Packaging—boxes tested to withstand drops, pressure, and stacking.
4G/Y145/S/...).Labels must be placed on a flat vertical side of the box, not wrapping around corners.
Each carrier has its own "Operator Variations" that are stricter than the law.
Penalties are severe. Major carriers and maritime lines charge administrative fees of $15,000 to $45,000 per container for misdeclared DG. This is on top of potential government fines and criminal liability if an accident occurs.
Generally, no for international air mail. Domestic ground services may accept Limited Quantities (like perfume) if properly labeled, but you must check specific "Publication 52" rules for USPS. Never drop a hazmat package in a street mailbox.
Yes. By law (ICAO/IATA and DOT), any employee who classifies, packs, marks, or signs the paperwork for DG must be trained and certified. This training must be refreshed every 24 months.
UN 3480 refers to loose batteries (e.g., a box of power banks), which are strictly regulated and often banned from passenger aircraft. UN 3481 refers to batteries contained in equipment (e.g., an iPhone), which are easier to ship as the device provides protection.
Shipping Dangerous Goods in 2026 is not about finding shortcuts; it's about building a repeatable, safe process. The 2026 regulations have removed the "gray area" for lithium batteries and hybrid vehicles, making compliance binary: you are either safe, or you are fined.