Dangerous Goods & Lithium Batteries
Understanding shipping restrictions for hazardous materials
What Are Dangerous Goods?
Dangerous goods (also called hazardous materials) are substances or articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies dangerous goods into nine classes:
Class 1
Explosives – fireworks, ammunition, flares
Class 2
Gases – aerosols, compressed gas, lighters
Class 3
Flammable liquids – paints, perfumes, adhesives
Class 4
Flammable solids – matches, magnesium, certain powders
Class 5
Oxidisers & organic peroxides – bleach, fertilisers
Class 6
Toxic & infectious substances – pesticides, clinical waste
Class 7
Radioactive material – medical isotopes, testing equipment
Class 8
Corrosives – batteries (acid), cleaning chemicals
Class 9
Miscellaneous – lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetised material
Common Hidden Dangerous Goods
Many everyday items are classified as dangerous goods for shipping purposes. Shippers are often unaware that the following items carry restrictions:
- Auto parts – airbag modules, fuel system components, brake fluid
- Camping equipment – gas stoves, fuel canisters, self-heating meals
- Household goods – aerosol sprays, cleaning solvents, nail polish remover
- Magnets – strong magnets (e.g., neodymium) can interfere with aircraft instruments
- Diagnostic specimens – blood, tissue, and biological samples
- Batteries – lithium-ion, lithium-metal, lead-acid, and wet-cell batteries
- Aerosols – deodorants, hairsprays, spray paints, insect repellents
- Paints & coatings – solvent-based paints, thinners, varnishes
- Ammunition – cartridges, primers, propellant powders
- Fertilisers – ammonium nitrate-based products are oxidisers
Lithium Battery Regulations
Lithium batteries are among the most commonly shipped dangerous goods and have specific rules that apply to both air and road transport.
Batteries Packed In or With Equipment
Lithium batteries contained within a device (e.g., a laptop, mobile phone, or power tool) or packed alongside the device they power are generally permitted for transport. Each battery must not exceed 100 Wh for lithium-ion or 2 g of lithium content for lithium-metal. The device must be protected against accidental activation, and the packaging must prevent movement within the box.
Standalone / Loose Batteries
Loose lithium batteries shipped without equipment face the strictest regulations. They must be individually protected to prevent short circuits, placed in inner packaging that completely encloses each battery, and clearly labelled with the lithium battery handling mark. Shipments of loose lithium batteries by air freight are significantly restricted and may be prohibited on passenger aircraft entirely.
What ICExpress Can & Cannot Ship
ICExpress can handle certain restricted goods when they comply with IATA and local regulations, are properly declared, and carry the correct documentation and labelling. However, we cannot accept fully prohibited items such as explosives, flammable gases, radioactive materials, or any substance banned under South African law. For a comprehensive list of items we do not transport, please review our prohibited items page.
Not Sure If Your Shipment Qualifies?
Contact our team for guidance on shipping restricted or regulated items safely and compliantly.
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