July 8, 2024
Air Freight
When it comes to shipping goods via air, there are stringent regulations in place to ensure safety and security for all involved parties. Understanding what items are prohibited or restricted from air freight is crucial for businesses shipping goods via air.
In our latest guide, we’ll delve into the world of restricted air freight items, how to determine if an item is prohibited or restricted, the penalties for violating regulations, and the types of goods that cannot be transported via air.
What type of goods cannot be transported via air?
Several categories of goods are typically prohibited from being transported via air due to their hazardous nature. These include, but are not limited to:
- Flammable liquids, gases, and solids
- Explosives and ammunition
- Radioactive materials
- Corrosive substances
- Toxic and infectious substances
- Magnetised materials
- Lithium batteries
- Perishable goods requiring strict temperature control
These items pose significant risks during air transportation and are therefore subject to strict regulations and restrictions.
Restricted air freight items
Air shipping regulations categorise certain items as hazardous freight or dangerous goods by air. These items pose risks to the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself. Hazardous materials such as flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and explosives are strictly regulated and often prohibited from being transported via air freight due to their potential to cause harm or damage.
Examples of commonly restricted air freight items from each category can be found below:
- Explosives: Including fireworks, flares, dynamite, and ammunition.
- Gases: Such as compressed gases, aerosols, and flammable gases like propane and butane.
- Flammable Liquids: Including gasoline, alcohol, acetone, and certain paints.
- Flammable Solids: Such as matches, lighters, and certain types of powders.
- Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides: Materials that can enhance combustion or cause fires.
- Toxic and Infectious Substances: Including certain chemicals, pesticides, and infectious materials.
- Radioactive Materials: Such as medical isotopes and certain laboratory materials.
- Corrosive Substances: Including acids, alkalines, and certain cleaning agents.
- Lithium Batteries: Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are subject to strict regulations due to their potential fire risk.
- Magnetised Materials: Certain magnetic materials can interfere with aircraft navigation systems.
- Perishable Goods Requiring Strict Temperature Control: While not necessarily prohibited, perishable goods such as certain foods and pharmaceuticals may require special handling and temperature control during air transport.
How to find out if an item is prohibited or restricted:
Before shipping any goods via air freight, it’s essential to determine whether the items fall under the category of prohibited or restricted. Freight forwarders and shipping carriers typically provide resources and guidelines to help customers identify hazardous materials and check if they can be transported by air.
Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) offer comprehensive lists and guidelines for identifying and handling dangerous goods by air.
Penalties for transporting prohibited items
Penalties for transporting prohibited items via air freight can vary depending on the severity of the violation, the jurisdiction, and the regulations in place. However, they generally include the following consequences:
Fines and penalties
Shippers found transporting prohibited items may face significant fines imposed by regulatory authorities or shipping carriers. These fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Legal consequences
In some cases, transporting prohibited items may result in legal action, including civil lawsuits or criminal charges. Individuals or businesses found in violation of air shipping regulations may be subject to prosecution, which can lead to fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties.
Confiscation of goods
Authorities or shipping carriers have the right to confiscate prohibited items discovered during inspection or screening processes. This can result in financial losses for the shipper, as the confiscated goods may not be returned or compensated for.
Suspension or removal of shipping privileges
Repeat offenders or those found to be knowingly violating air shipping regulations may have their shipping privileges suspended or revoked by shipping carriers or regulatory authorities. This can have significant consequences for businesses reliant on air freight for their operations.
The penalties for transporting prohibited items via air freight are intended to deter non-compliance with air shipping regulations and ensure the safety and security of air transportation systems. It is crucial for shippers to understand and adhere to all applicable regulations to avoid facing these consequences.
Consulting with freight forwarders, shipping carriers, and regulatory authorities can help ensure compliance and mitigate the risks of transporting goods via air freight.
Is there a difference between hazardous goods and dangerous goods?
Yes, there is a distinction between hazardous and dangerous goods, although the terms are often used interchangeably. However, in the context of transportation and logistics, there are specific definitions for each term.
Hazardous goods
Hazardous goods refer to materials or substances that pose risks to health, safety, property, or the environment. These risks can arise during handling, storage, transportation, or use of the materials. Hazardous goods are typically classified based on their properties and potential hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, or reactivity. Examples of hazardous goods include chemicals, gases, liquids, and solids that require special handling and precautions to ensure safety.
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods, on the other hand, specifically refer to materials or substances that, when transported, present risks to health, safety, property, or the environment. This term is more commonly used in the context of transportation regulations, particularly in the aviation, maritime, and land transportation industries. Dangerous goods are classified according to their properties and potential hazards, and they are subject to strict regulations governing their handling, packaging, labelling, and transportation.
Shipping goods via air freight offers speed and efficiency, but it also comes with responsibilities and regulations, particularly concerning hazardous materials. Understanding the restrictions and prohibitions surrounding air shipping is essential for ensuring compliance and maintaining safety and security in the transportation of goods. By adhering to these regulations, businesses and individuals can avoid penalties, protect the integrity of the supply chain, and contribute to safer air transportation practices.
For more information on shipping by air freight and to ensure compliance with air shipping regulations, contact us today. Our expert team can provide guidance and assistance to ensure your shipments are handled safely and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. And for all of the latest AGI news, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook!