Shipper's Declaration

A Shipper's Declaration of Dangerous Goods is required for all articles and substances of dangerous goods, with the exception of the items listed in DGR 8.0.1.2. The shipper is responsible for the completion of the Shipper's Declaration, and it must be signed and dated by the shipper. Other persons employed by the shipper, such as freight forwarders and cargo agents, may undertake the shipper's responsibilities in the preparation of dangerous goods consignments and may sign the Shipper's Declaration.

The Shipper's Declaration must be completed in English. However, it may be accompanied by an accurate translation in another language.

Pre-printed or electronic declaration forms may be used. The format of the boxes and dotted lines may be changed to accommodate the shipper's requirements. The form can be printed in black and red on white paper or in red only on white paper. The diagonal hatchings in the margins must be printed in red. In the 62nd Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations new example forms have been created, these forms clarify any changes that have been made from previous versions.

If multiple pages are required to complete the Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods box, an extension list may be used. These pages must include the vertical red hatchings, a page number and total number of pages, and the Air Waybill number. An extension list does not require a signature.

In some cases, consignments of multiple packages are consolidated into one shipment. A consolidated shipment requires a separate declaration form for each component consignment of the dangerous goods.

The shipper must provide two copies of any completed and signed declaration forms to the operator. One copy is retained by the accepting operator and the other copy is forwarded with the shipment to its destination.

Alterations and amendments to the declaration form are prohibited unless the altered or amended entry is signed by the shipper with the same signature used on the document.

To learn more about Function Specific topics for Shippers, Packers, Freight Forwarders visit our IATA DGR Shippers, Packers & Freight Forwarders Online Training web page.