Packing, Classification & Documentation
Expert classification, compliant packing to ADR and IATA standards, and full transport documentation — this is advice plus execution.
Important: Incorrect classification or non-compliant packaging can result in dangerous goods being refused for transport or triggering a regulatory investigation.
Classification
Correct classification is the foundation of dangerous goods compliance. Every subsequent decision — packing, labelling, documentation, transport mode — depends on the goods being correctly classified from the outset.
We provide expert classification services including:
- UN number assignment — identification of the correct UN number based on the substance's properties, Safety Data Sheets, and regulatory criteria
- Proper shipping name — determination of the correct proper shipping name under ADR/IATA
- Packing group assignment — classification of the degree of danger (Packing Group I, II, or III) which determines packaging requirements
- Subsidiary hazard identification — identification of any secondary hazards that affect labelling and segregation
- Special provision assessment — identification of any applicable special provisions, exemptions, or limited quantity thresholds
Professional Packing
We provide hands-on packing of dangerous goods to ADR and IATA DGR standards. This is the core of our "advice plus implementation" approach — we don't just tell you how to pack; we do it for you to the required standard.
- Selection of appropriate UN-approved packaging for the goods being transported
- Correct assembly of combination packaging (inner and outer packaging, absorbent materials, cushioning)
- Compliance with packing instructions specific to the UN number and packing group
- Correct orientation, closure, and securing of packages
- Quality checking against regulatory requirements before release for transport
Labelling & Marking
Every package of dangerous goods must display the correct hazard labels, UN number marking, and any additional markings required by the regulations. We ensure:
- Correct hazard class labels (primary and subsidiary) applied in the right positions
- UN number marking clearly displayed on each package
- Proper shipping name marking where required
- Limited quantity or excepted quantity markings where applicable
- Overpack markings when multiple packages are combined
Transport Documentation
We prepare all required transport documentation to ADR standards, including:
- Dangerous goods transport documents with all mandatory information
- Emergency information (written instructions/Tremcards)
- Container/vehicle packing certificates where applicable
- Multimodal documentation for combined road/air movements
Specialist Capability
We have particular expertise in handling materials that require specialist knowledge and care:
- Laboratory chemicals and reagents — diverse, small-quantity items that are often complex to classify and pack
- Hazardous waste — materials that require careful characterisation, classification, and compliant packaging for disposal or treatment
- Diagnostic specimens and biological materials — Category A and Category B substances with specific packaging requirements
- Mixed consignments — shipments containing multiple hazard classes that require segregation assessment
This is where the DG-Express approach delivers real value. Many organisations have the advisory guidance but lack the practical capability to classify, pack, and document dangerous goods to the required standard. We provide both — end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
A UN number is a four-digit identifier assigned to a hazardous substance or article by the United Nations. It identifies the substance for regulatory purposes and determines the applicable packing, labelling, and transport requirements under ADR and other modal regulations. Incorrect classification can result in non-compliant packaging, incorrect documentation, and potential regulatory enforcement.
Yes. If your materials have already been classified (e.g., you have Safety Data Sheets with UN numbers and packing groups), we can proceed directly to packing, labelling, and documentation preparation. If classification is uncertain or incomplete, we'll verify it before packing.
Yes. We have particular expertise in handling laboratory chemicals, reagents, and chemical waste — materials that are often diverse, small-quantity, and complex to classify and pack. We regularly work with universities, research laboratories, and healthcare organisations on these requirements.
We prepare all required transport documentation including dangerous goods transport documents (consignment notes), emergency information (Tremcards or equivalent), and any additional documentation required by the receiver or regulatory framework. All documentation is prepared to ADR standards and retained for your records.
Need specialist dangerous goods support?
Speak directly with a qualified DGSA about your requirements.