DGD Preparation
Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) — Section 8.1 completion guide covering all form fields, format rules, the 2-copy requirement and common mistakes.
Legal Responsibility
The person signing the DGD assumes legal responsibility for the accuracy of the declared information and compliance with all applicable transport regulations. False or inaccurate declarations may result in criminal penalties.
DGD Form Fields
All fields of the IATA Shipper's Declaration form with descriptions and tips
Full name, address and telephone number of the shipper.
* Company name abbreviations must not be used.
Full name and address of the consignee.
* P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
The air waybill number associated with the shipment.
* May be left blank — usually completed by the forwarder.
Radioactive / Non-radioactive selection.
* The appropriate checkbox must be ticked.
Passenger & Cargo Aircraft / Cargo Aircraft Only selection.
* Incorrect selection will cause the shipment to be rejected.
Departure airport (IATA code or full name).
* Use the IATA 3-letter code (e.g. IST, LHR, JFK).
Final destination airport.
* Enter the final destination, not the transit point.
UN number (e.g. UN3481, ID8000).
* ID numbers are used only for articles specific to air transport.
The proper shipping name as listed in the IATA DGR (in English).
* Trade names must NOT be used. Technical name may be required.
Hazard class and division (e.g. 3, 8, 2.1).
* Subsidiary risk must also be stated (e.g. 6.1 (3)).
Packing group (I, II or III).
* Not applicable to all classes (e.g. Class 2, 6.2, 7 have no PG).
Number of packages, package type and net quantity.
* Net quantity in kg or L. Always NET, never gross.
PI number (e.g. PI 353, PI 967).
* Obtained from DGR Table 4.2 (List of Dangerous Goods).
Special approval or exemption reference.
* State approval number or special provision reference.
Supplementary transport information.
* 24-hour emergency contact telephone number is MANDATORY here.
Signature, printed name and date.
* Signature date must be consistent with the shipment date. Digital signatures are accepted.
DGD Format Rules
The 2-Copy Rule (Section 8.1.6)
Copy 1 (Shipper): Retained by the shipper for a minimum of 2 years. Serves as proof of compliance and is required in the event of an incident investigation.
Copy 2 (Shipment): Accompanies the shipment from origin to final destination. Must be accessible to acceptance staff, ground handling agents and the flight crew (via NOTOC reference).
Some operators and states may require additional copies. Always check operator variations before shipping.
Common Mistakes
Using trade names
Only the Proper Shipping Name from the IATA DGR may be used on the DGD. For example, use 'PAINT RELATED MATERIAL' instead of 'Thinner'.
Solution: Check the DGR List of Dangerous Goods (Table 4.2).
Entering gross weight instead of net
The DGD always requires the NET quantity, not the gross weight including packaging.
Solution: Enter only the weight/volume of the substance itself, excluding packaging.
Incorrect PAX/CAO selection
Marking 'Passenger Aircraft' when the substance is forbidden on passenger aircraft.
Solution: Verify PAX/CAO eligibility from DGR Table 4.2.
Missing emergency contact number
A 24-hour reachable emergency contact telephone number is MANDATORY.
Solution: Enter the telephone number in the 'Additional Handling Information' field.
Omitting subsidiary risk
Substances with multiple hazards must have the subsidiary class stated.
Solution: Check the subsidiary risk column in the DGR for each UN number.
Missing PI number
The Packing Instruction number is a mandatory field on the DGD.
Solution: Obtain the PI number from DGR Table 4.2.
Inconsistent or missing signature date
The signature date must not be significantly before or after the shipment date.
Solution: Prepare a fresh DGD for each shipment. Use YYYY-MM-DD format. Do not reuse old DGDs.
Signature Date Format
The DGD signature date must be in YYYY-MM-DD format (ISO 8601). Example: 2026-04-12.
The date must be the date of signing, not the date of shipment. However, the signing date and shipment date should be reasonably close. A DGD signed weeks or months before the actual shipment may be rejected at acceptance.
Digital / electronic signatures are accepted, provided they meet the requirements of the applicable state regulations (DGR 8.1.6.11).