Dangerous Goods
Shipping CR

What are dangerous goods (DG/Hazmat)?

Dangerous goods / hazmat are materials or articles that, due to their physical or chemical properties, pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment during transport. Their handling is regulated by international bodies with strict rules for classification, packaging, marking and documentation.

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in cargo holds, significant fines, or — most importantly — serious accidents. That's why it's essential to work with a freight forwarder with proven experience in this type of cargo.

Hazmat classes we coordinate

All dangerous goods move subject to prior review and approval. This is not a restriction on our side: shipping lines and airlines approve every hazmat booking case by case, based on class, UN number, route and the documentation submitted. We work with carriers and agents that hold the permits to move it, and we assemble the file that approval requires. Classes 1 (explosives) and 7 (radioactive) are the most restricted and are assessed individually. Talk to us before you buy: we'll tell you whether your goods are viable on the route you need.

• Class 1 — Explosives: Fireworks, detonators, ammunition.
• Class 2 — Gases: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), flammable gases, aerosols.
• Class 3 — Flammable liquids: Paint, varnish, solvents, industrial alcohol.
• Class 4 — Flammable solids: Sulfur, water-reactive substances.
• Class 5 — Oxidizers and peroxides: Ammonium nitrate fertilizers, organic peroxides.
• Class 6 — Toxic and infectious: Pesticides, pharmaceuticals in large quantities, medical samples.
• Class 7 — Radioactive: Nuclear materials for medical or industrial use.
• Class 8 — Corrosives: Acid batteries, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid.
• Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods: Lithium batteries, magnets, environmentally hazardous goods, electric vehicles.

Regulations we apply

• IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods): For ocean transport. Published by IMO. Mandatory for all vessels and international ports.
• IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations): For air transport. Published annually by IATA. Restrictions are stricter than maritime.
• ADR: For international ground transport (applies to multimodal connections).

Dangerous goods coordination process

• 1. Classification: We verify UN number, class, packing group and correct technical name of the cargo.
• 2. Packaging and marking: Guidance on UN-certified packaging and correct application of hazard labels and marks.
• 3. Shipper's Declaration: Mandatory document for air and ocean, signed by a certified shipper.
• 4. Coordination with ocean line or airline: Not all carriers accept all classes. We find the right carrier for your specific cargo.
• 5. NOTOC / captain notification: For air transport, we prepare the Notice to Captain (NOTOC).
• 6. Customs clearance in CR: We coordinate with customs and national regulators (MOPT, SENASA, Ministry of Health as applicable).

Lithium batteries — special case

Lithium batteries (laptops, phones, electric vehicles) are Class 9 and have very specific restrictions depending on whether they ship standalone (UN3480) or inside equipment (UN3481). Air freight has per-flight cargo limits. Contact us before shipping any significant quantity of electronic devices.