Non-Restricted Goods in Air Freight
“NOT RESTRICTED” goods are those that, during air transportation, are assessed as not belonging to dangerous goods. This means that these goods do not need to comply with the specific requirements for dangerous goods outlined in the International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR) during transportation. However, they must still meet basic safety and packaging standards for air transport.
For more details on the IATA DGR, visit IATA DGR.
1: Characteristics of Non-Restricted Goods
- No Dangerous Properties: The goods do not pose a threat to transport safety, such as being non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-toxic, not self-igniting, and not emitting harmful gases.
- Ordinary Goods: Common items like daily necessities, textiles, machinery parts, and electronic devices typically fall into the category of non-restricted goods.
2. Non-Restricted Declaration (NOT RESTRICTED DECLARATION)
In certain cases, airlines or logistics service providers may request the shipper to provide a “Non-Restricted Goods Declaration,” especially if the goods’ name or appearance suggests they might be dangerous (such as batteries, liquids, chemicals, etc.).
The declaration should clearly state the nature of the goods, confirm that they do not contain any dangerous items, and cite the relevant regulations proving that the goods are not within the scope of the IATA DGR.
Example declaration content:
“This is to certify that the above-mentioned items are not classified as dangerous goods under the current edition of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and all applicable carrier and government regulations.”
3. Goods Requiring Special Attention
Some goods, though typically classified as non-dangerous, may require extra checks or confirmation under certain conditions. These include:
- Lithium Battery Devices: Some devices (e.g., watches, mobile phones) with lithium batteries are considered non-restricted goods, but the battery capacity and packaging must comply with IATA regulations.
- Liquids: Non-dangerous liquids like perfumes or food additives may need to specify their ingredients to prove they do not contain hazardous substances.
- Chemicals: Some chemicals may appear harmless, but an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) may be required to prove they are non-hazardous.
4. Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Although non-restricted goods are not subject to dangerous goods packaging requirements, they must still meet basic packaging and labeling standards for air transportation. For example, the packaging should be strong enough to prevent damage or leakage during transit.
The packaging should also have the correct goods name, weight, volume, and other essential information, along with the shipper’s contact details.
5. Common Misconceptions
- Non-restricted does not mean no requirements: Even if goods are not classified as dangerous, the shipper must still ensure that the packaging, declaration, and transportation documents comply with air transport standards.
- Misunderstandings about certain special items: Some goods may need further verification to be classified as non-restricted, especially if they contain small amounts of dangerous substances that are below the regulatory threshold.
In summary, “NOT RESTRICTED” goods refer to items that are not typically classified as dangerous under normal conditions, but to ensure safety and compliance, the shipper must still provide the necessary documentation and proof based on the nature of the goods and relevant regulations.
