IATA Class 1 Explosives

Explosives are defined as any substance or article, including a device that is designed to function by explosion or that, by chemical reaction within itself, is able to function in a similar manner.

An explosive substance is any solid or liquid that is capable of producing a chemical reaction with a temperature, pressure, and speed that causes damage to the surroundings.

An explosive article is an article or device that contains one or more explosive substances.

Class 1 dangerous goods include explosive substances and articles. The DGR considers this a restricted class, as most of the explosives listed in Subsection 4.2 List of Dangerous Goods are not normally permitted for air transport unless approved by the appropriate national authority. Because these articles and substances may be approved for transport with special State approval, they are included in the List of Dangerous Goods, but they are marked as "FORBIDDEN."

Exclusions from Class 1 categorization include the following:

• An explosive substance that is not itself an explosive but that can form an explosive atmosphere of gas, vapor, or dust is not included in Class 1.
• Devices containing explosive substances in such quantities that their inadvertent or accidental ignition during transport will not cause any effect external to the device either by projection, fire, smoke, heat, or loud noise are not included in Class 1.

To learn more about IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations visit our IATA DGR Online Training Certification Courses web page.