What does a DG label tell you?
Dangerous goods labels use a diamond shape, colour, symbol and class or division number to communicate the principal transport hazard. A consignment can also require a subsidiary-risk label, handling marks and product-specific markings.
The label is only one part of the transport description. Correct preparation starts with the product’s transport classification: UN number, proper shipping name, class or division, subsidiary risk, packing group where assigned, and the rules for the mode of transport.
The nine dangerous-goods classes
These illustrated tiles are an awareness guide, not printable compliance artwork. Individual divisions and substances can use different colours, symbols and wording within the same class.
Explosives
Explosive substances and articles. Divisions 1.1–1.6 describe the type and degree of explosive hazard.
Gases
Includes flammable gas (2.1), non-flammable non-toxic gas (2.2) and toxic gas (2.3).
Flammable liquids
Liquids assigned to Class 3 under the applicable transport classification criteria.
Flammable solids
Covers 4.1 flammable solids, 4.2 substances liable to spontaneous combustion and 4.3 dangerous when wet.
Oxidizers & peroxides
Class 5.1 covers oxidizing substances; Class 5.2 covers organic peroxides.
Toxic & infectious
Division 6.1 covers toxic substances. Division 6.2 covers infectious substances and uses a different symbol.
Radioactive material
Categories and labels depend on radiation level, transport index and package classification.
Corrosive substances
Materials capable of causing severe damage to skin or corroding metals under the classification criteria.
Miscellaneous hazards
Substances and articles presenting a transport danger covered by Class 9, including certain battery-related entries.
How labels appear on industrial packages
Primary and subsidiary risks
A product can present more than one transport hazard. The principal hazard determines the primary class label, while an additional hazard may require a subsidiary-risk label. For example, a flammable liquid that is also toxic may require both Class 3 and Class 6.1 hazard communication. Never select labels from a trade name or appearance alone.
Start with Section 14 of the SDS—but verify it
A current manufacturer Safety Data Sheet commonly provides transport information in Section 14. Look for the UN number, proper shipping name, transport hazard class, subsidiary risk, packing group and environmental-hazard information. The shipper remains responsible for correct classification and preparation under the applicable rules, so incomplete or conflicting information must be clarified before dispatch.
DG transport labels
Used for transport hazard communication on packages, cargo transport units and vehicles as required by the applicable modal regulations.
GHS product labels
Used for chemical hazard communication on supplied containers and in workplaces. Their red-bordered pictograms are not substitutes for transport labels.
Common labelling mistakes
- Using only the GHS pictogram where a transport hazard label is required.
- Selecting a label from the product name without confirming its transport classification.
- Omitting a subsidiary-risk label or a required handling mark.
- Using artwork with the wrong colour, dimensions, class number or symbol.
- Placing labels over seams, closures, straps or damaged surfaces.
- Leaving old or irrelevant labels visible on reused outer packaging.
- Assuming the same requirements apply to road, sea and air transport.
Pre-dispatch label check
- Current SDS and product identity confirmed
- UN number and proper shipping name verified
- Primary class and subsidiary risk verified
- Packing group checked where assigned
- Correct package, label and marks selected
- Labels visible, durable and unobstructed
- Old or conflicting labels removed or covered
- Mode-specific documents and rules checked
Need storage or packaging support? Share the product name, current SDS, package type, quantity and planned movement with our team. Discuss your requirement →
Official references: UN transport of dangerous goods, UN Model Regulations, Volume II, IMO—IMDG Code overview and IATA dangerous goods overview.
General awareness only. The illustrations on this page are not approved label artwork and must not be printed for shipment. Classification, marks, labels, placards, packaging and documentation must be confirmed by a trained competent person against the current rules for the applicable transport mode and jurisdiction.