Policies · Dangerous Goods
Dangerous Goods Acceptance Policy
Dangerous goods (lithium batteries, flammables, gases, corrosives) can be shipped — but they must be declared in advance, packaged correctly, and shipped under the right mode regulations. Undeclared DG is a criminal offence under UK law, can ground a plane or hold a vessel, and the cost is on you.
Legal framework
Road: ADR + UK CDG Regs 2009. Rail: RID. Sea: IMDG Code. Air: ICAO TI / IATA DGR (current edition). Enforced by HSE (road), MCA (sea), CAA (air), DfT overall.
Your obligations as shipper
Correct classification (Class 1–9, UN number, packing group). Compatible packaging meeting UN performance test marks. Correct labels and placards. Accurate Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD air, MDGF sea, CMR with ADR fields road). Quantity limits per mode. Disclose all relevant information at booking — NOT after pickup. Hold any required permits or licences. Misdeclared / undeclared DG: fines exceeding £5,000 per shipment, prosecution, ship/aircraft delays at carrier rates (£100k+ for aircraft turnback). You indemnify Taurex.
Our role as forwarder
We are NOT the shipper for DG purposes unless we expressly accept that role in writing. We refuse undeclared or misdeclared DG, verify documentation, use only carriers and routes lawful for the DG class, provide the carrier with correct paperwork, brief drivers we appoint, retain a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) where required. Per IATA DGR 1.3.2(d): we sign on the shipper's behalf only if expressly authorised + staff IATA CAT 6 trained.
What we accept
Subject to advance declaration, correct documentation, and carrier acceptance: Class 2.1 / 2.2 / 3 / 4.1 / 5.1 / 6.1 / 8 / 9 generally yes (with limits). Class 1 limited (Division 1.4S consumer fireworks under licence). Class 2.3 / 4.2 / 4.3 / 5.2 specialist only — DGSA review required. Class 6.2: Category B (UN3373) by air-eligible courier only; Category A specialist couriers.
Lithium batteries — special rules
Single most common misdeclaration source. Includes phones, laptops, power tools, e-cigs, e-bikes, drones, scooters, power banks. Standalone Li-ion (UN3480): passenger air BANNED, freighter only with Class 9 strict labels. Standalone Li-metal (UN3090): passenger air BANNED, freighter only. Installed / packed with equipment (UN3481 / UN3091): generally yes with limits. Damaged / defective / recall batteries: BANNED all modes.
What we DO NOT accept
Class 7 Radioactive (specialist nuclear logistics only). Damaged / defective / recall lithium batteries. Explosives outside Division 1.4S. Live animals (specialist pet relocation only). Human or animal remains. Currency, bearer instruments, crypto hardware wallets with seed phrases. Loose precious metals or jewellery >£1k value without specialist underwriter. Controlled substances. Counterfeit, infringing, or stolen goods. CITES / Kimberley violations. Sanctioned destinations without licence. Weapons / ammunition / replicas.
Process and surcharges
At quote: tell us by email or portal that shipment contains DG with UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, packaging UN spec marks. We confirm or refuse within 1 BD. Surcharges: air DG +£75–250/shipment carrier + £35 Taurex admin. Sea DG +£100–500/container carrier. Road UK +£25–75. Specialist classes case-by-case. Operations staff hold current IATA CAT 6, IMDG, and ADR awareness training as appropriate.
Last reviewed 2026-06-06.