TRANSPORT REGULATIONS – SAFETY OVER THE LOWEST SHIPPING COST

All goods offered by Synthetika Sp. z o.o. are shipped in accordance with applicable national and international regulations governing the transport of chemicals and dangerous goods. Proper classification, appropriate shipment protection, correct selection of packaging and the use of required markings are intended to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transport process, including courier company employees, logistics operators and the final recipient.

For this reason, the shipping costs of chemical products may be higher than those charged by companies delivering neutral goods that do not require special transport procedures.

LIMITED QUANTITIES

All shipments containing dangerous substances that are eligible for transport under the Limited Quantities exemption are dispatched by us in accordance with LQ, or Limited Quantities, requirements. The cost of handling and transporting an LQ shipment is already included in the basic delivery price, and the customer does not incur any additional charge for this service.

ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)

In the case of larger inner packagings for which the LQ exemption cannot be applied, shipments are dispatched under full ADR transport requirements. This type of transport requires additional procedures, an appropriate means of transport and compliance with a broader range of transport requirements. Consequently, its cost is higher than that of a standard LQ shipment. Where this transport method is required, choosing the cheapest available delivery option will not be possible.

LQ and ADR shipments in our company are prepared exclusively by persons who hold appropriate qualifications in the packing and dispatch of dangerous goods by road. Employees responsible for preparing such shipments have completed specialist training concluded with a state examination.

DGR Air Shipments

For deliveries to more distant countries, particularly where road transport is not possible or logistically justified, dangerous goods may be shipped by air as DGR consignments.

DGR air transport is the most restrictive form of dangerous goods transport and is subject to very detailed requirements concerning classification, packaging, marking, documentation and the preparation of shipments for air carriage. In many cases, these requirements are significantly more stringent than those applicable to road transport.

DGR shipments in our company are prepared exclusively by employees who hold the appropriate qualifications and are entered in the register of dangerous goods shippers maintained by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority.

Registration numbers of our employees:

4171 /SHP/DG/ULC/2026
4172 /SHP/DG/ULC/2026
2774 /SHP/DG/ULC/2025

LQ Shipments – What Are Limited Quantities?

Many chemical substances are classified as dangerous goods under ADR regulations. However, this does not mean that every package containing such a product must be transported under the requirements applicable to full ADR transport.

For relatively small inner packagings, it may be possible to use the LQ, or Limited Quantities, provisions.

The LQ system allows certain dangerous goods to be transported while benefiting from partial exemptions from ADR requirements, provided that strictly defined rules concerning, among other things, product quantity, packaging and shipment marking are met.

What does LQ mean?

LQ stands for Limited Quantities.

A product transported as LQ remains a dangerous good. Its chemical classification and the hazards arising from it do not change. What changes is the extent to which certain ADR requirements apply to its transport.

Whether LQ may be used for a specific UN number is determined on the basis of column 7a of Table A in Chapter 3.2 of ADR. The value specified in this column determines the maximum quantity of product permitted in a single inner packaging.

Depending on the substance, the limit may, for example, be 100 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre or 5 litres. For solids, the corresponding values are specified by mass. Not every dangerous good may be transported as LQ.

Example of an LQ shipment

If ADR specifies an LQ limit of 1 litre for a particular product, it may be possible to prepare a shipment containing, for example:

4 bottles containing 1 litre of product each, placed in an appropriate outer packaging.

However, a single 4-litre bottle cannot automatically be treated as LQ. This is because the limit applies to the individual inner packaging, not merely to the total amount of product contained in the box.

For this reason, the LQ value assigned to the relevant UN number must always be checked before preparing the shipment.

How must an LQ shipment be packed?

In a typical case, the substance is placed in an inner packaging, such as a bottle or jerrycan, and then in an appropriate outer packaging.

The packaging should be selected so that, under normal conditions of transport, there is no leakage, damage to inner packagings or dangerous movement of the contents.

ADR also imposes a limit on the total mass of the package.

For standard combination packaging, the maximum gross mass of the package is 30 kg.

For trays secured with shrink-wrap or stretch film, the maximum gross mass is 20 kg.

Specific requirements may apply to certain types of packaging. For example, Class 8 liquids in Packing Group II contained in glass, porcelain or stoneware inner packagings require an appropriate rigid intermediate packaging.

What does the LQ mark look like?

A package containing dangerous goods transported as Limited Quantities must bear the characteristic LQ mark.

It is a square set at an angle of 45°, giving it a diamond shape. The upper and lower sections are black, while the central section is white or has an appropriately contrasting background.

The standard mark should measure at least 100 × 100 mm.

If the size of the package does not allow the use of the standard marking, it may be reduced to a minimum of 50 × 50 mm, provided that it remains clearly visible.

The marking must be legible, clearly visible and resistant to the conditions to which the shipment may be exposed during transport.

LQ and standard ADR markings

One of the main advantages of the Limited Quantities system is that it reduces some of the formalities and requirements applicable to full ADR transport.

Shipments meeting all the requirements of Chapter 3.4 of ADR benefit from exemptions from many standard ADR obligations.

However, this does not mean that they are completely exempt from dangerous goods regulations. Specific requirements still apply, including those relating to classification, packaging, marking, securing the load and handling the shipment.

In certain cases, particularly when transporting liquids, orientation arrows indicating the correct position of the package may also be required.

Can different LQ products be placed in one package?

Yes. One outer packaging may contain different dangerous goods transported as Limited Quantities, provided that the applicable LQ limits are met for each product and the products can be safely packed together.

The chemical compatibility of the contents is essential.

Substances that could react dangerously with each other if their packagings were damaged at the same time should not be packed together.

Simply placing two or more different LQ products in one correctly prepared box does not create a requirement to use an OVERPACK marking.

What is an OVERPACK and when is it required?

The term OVERPACK is often confused with outer packaging.

They are not the same thing.

If several complete and marked LQ packages are additionally combined into a single handling unit, for example:

several LQ boxes are wrapped together with stretch film,

several packages are placed inside a larger package,

marked packages are prepared as one consolidated handling unit,

an overpack may be created.

If the LQ markings on the packages inside are not visible from the outside, the overpack must be appropriately marked. In such a case, the word “OVERPACK” and the required LQ markings representing the goods contained inside must be applied.

However, the OVERPACK marking should not be used merely because two or more different products are contained in one box.

Does an LQ shipment require an ADR transport document?

One of the important simplifications is that there is no standard obligation to prepare an ADR transport document solely because goods are being transported as Limited Quantities.

However, before transport begins, the consignor must provide the carrier, in a form that can be documented, with information on the total gross mass of the goods transported as LQ.

It should also be remembered that the carrier may impose its own operational or documentation requirements.

LQ does not mean that every courier will accept the shipment

Meeting the ADR requirements for Limited Quantities does not automatically mean that every courier company will accept the shipment.

Carriers may apply their own rules and restrictions concerning the transport of dangerous goods. They may also restrict specific ADR classes, destination countries, types of substances or methods of dispatch.

Therefore, before dispatch, both compliance with ADR and the conditions imposed by the specific carrier must be checked.

A product may be correctly prepared as LQ in accordance with ADR and still be included on the list of goods that a particular courier does not accept.

LQ and air transport

The rules applicable to air transport differ from those applicable to road transport.

Air transport is subject to ICAO/IATA requirements, and eligible Limited Quantity shipments are marked with a different version of the mark containing the letter “Y”.

It should therefore not be assumed that a package prepared in accordance with ADR rules for road transport can be transferred unchanged to air transport.

The most common mistakes when preparing LQ shipments

In practice, problems with LQ shipments most often arise not from the classification of the product itself, but from the way the package is prepared.

The most common mistakes include:

• exceeding the permitted capacity of an individual inner packaging,

• assuming that the LQ limit applies to the entire box rather than to each individual inner packaging,

• exceeding the permitted gross mass of the package,

• inadequate securing of bottles or jerrycans,

• failure to use material preventing the products from moving inside the package,

• incorrect or obscured LQ marking,

• missing required orientation arrows,

• incorrect use of the OVERPACK marking,

• packing together substances that may react dangerously with one another,

• assuming that every carrier accepts LQ shipments.

Is LQ the same as an ADR shipment?

A product contained in an LQ shipment remains a dangerous good classified in accordance with ADR.

Limited Quantity is a specific method of transport that allows the use of exemptions provided for in Chapter 3.4 of ADR.

Therefore, describing such a shipment as “non-ADR” may be misleading.

A more accurate description is the transport of dangerous goods benefiting from the exemptions provided for Limited Quantities.

Summary

The Limited Quantities system significantly simplifies the shipment of small quantities of many chemical substances, but it does not release the consignor from responsibility for correctly classifying and preparing the product.

Before dispatching a shipment, it is essential to:

determine the UN number of the product,

check the LQ value in column 7a of Table A of ADR,

verify the quantity contained in each inner packaging,

use an appropriate outer packaging,

check the compatibility of products contained in the same package,

secure the products against damage and movement,

mark the package correctly,

and verify whether the selected carrier accepts the relevant type of goods.

Correct use of the LQ provisions makes it possible to simplify the transport of many chemical products while maintaining the required level of safety during carriage.

ADR Shipments – Safe Transport of Larger Quantities of Dangerous Goods

Transporting chemical substances requires significantly greater responsibility than shipping neutral goods. Some products may be transported in small packagings under the simplified LQ system, but as the quantity of the product increases, or in the case of certain substances, more extensive requirements arising from ADR regulations may need to be applied.

ADR is an international agreement governing the carriage of dangerous goods by road. It regulates not only how a vehicle or package must be marked, but the entire transport process: from correct classification of the substance, through the selection of suitable packaging and preparation of documentation, to requirements concerning the carrier, vehicle, loading, unloading and emergency procedures.

The purpose of these requirements is to reduce risks to everyone involved in the transport process, other road users, the recipient and the environment. ADR also establishes requirements concerning the responsibilities and training of participants in the transport of dangerous goods.

What does an “ADR shipment” actually mean?

The term “ADR shipment” is commonly used in the transport industry, although in practice ADR is an entire system of regulations governing the carriage of dangerous goods by road.

An ADR dangerous good may be anything from a small bottle of a chemical substance to several hundred kilograms of product transported on a pallet, in drums, jerrycans, IBCs or by tanker.

The applicable requirements are not determined solely by the weight of the shipment.

The key factors include:

• the type of substance,

• its UN number,

• hazard class,

• packing group, where assigned,

• quantity of product,

• size and type of packaging,

• method of transport,

• special provisions applicable to the specific UN number.

For this reason, two products of identical weight cannot automatically be prepared for transport in the same way.

UN number – the starting point for transport

One of the most important elements of transport classification is the UN number.

It is a four-digit number assigned to a specific substance, group of substances or type of dangerous goods. It can be used to determine the requirements applicable to a particular product.

For example, the transport classification may specify:

UN number,

Proper Shipping Name,

hazard class,

subsidiary hazards,

packing group,

transport category,

permitted packing methods,

whether LQ may be used,

special provisions,

marking requirements.

ADR divides its requirements into a number of areas covering classification, the dangerous goods list, packing, consignment procedures, packaging construction, conditions of carriage and requirements for vehicles and their crews.

ADR vs LQ – what is the difference?

LQ, or Limited Quantities, does not mean that the product contained in the package ceases to be a dangerous good.

It is a specific method of transporting small quantities of dangerous goods for which ADR provides a number of simplifications.

If a product is eligible for transport as LQ and the requirements concerning, among other things, the maximum quantity per inner packaging, the method of packing and the total mass of the package are met, transport may take place under the rules applicable to Limited Quantities.

At Synthetika, the cost of properly preparing and transporting a standard LQ shipment is included in the basic delivery price.

For larger orders, however, the possibility of using LQ provisions may no longer apply. In such cases, transport is organised in accordance with the requirements applicable to ADR carriage.

This does not mean, however, that simply exceeding an LQ limit automatically triggers all requirements associated with so-called “full ADR”. The regulations also provide for other exemptions and thresholds, the applicability of which depends on the classification and quantity of the dangerous goods being carried. Each transport operation must therefore be assessed individually.

Why can a large order not simply be divided into several ordinary packages?

Dangerous goods transport regulations are not limited to the size of an individual box.

When organising transport, the total quantity of a particular dangerous good carried in the transport unit and the way in which the goods have been classified and prepared are also relevant.

Artificially dividing a larger quantity of a substance into several packages does not automatically mean that the transport ceases to be subject to ADR requirements.

For this reason, we select the shipping method on the basis of the actual parameters of the order, not merely the number of boxes.

Appropriate packaging is essential

One of the key differences between an ordinary courier shipment and ADR transport is the method of packaging.

Not every container suitable for storing a chemical substance can automatically be used as its transport packaging.

For many ADR goods, appropriately tested packaging bearing markings confirming compliance with UN requirements is required.

Depending on the product, this may include:

• jerrycans,

• drums,

• combination packagings,

• boxes,

• IBCs,

• other types of packaging approved for the relevant UN number.

ADR contains separate requirements governing packing as well as the construction and testing of packagings, IBCs and large packagings.

Selecting packaging therefore involves much more than simply checking whether a substance “fits” inside a jerrycan or drum.

Its chemical properties, compatibility with the packaging material, packing group, packing instruction and maximum permitted capacity or mass must also be taken into account.

Securing the contents of the shipment

A properly prepared ADR shipment must be capable of withstanding the conditions that can reasonably be expected during normal transport.

Packagings should be closed in a manner that prevents the contents from escaping, while items placed inside outer packaging should be properly secured against movement and damage.

Depending on the type of product, additional protective measures, cushioning materials, absorbent materials or intermediate packagings may be used.

This is particularly important for corrosive, flammable or toxic liquids. Even relatively minor damage to packaging can pose a risk not only to the shipment itself, but also to other cargo carried in the vehicle and to the people handling it.

Marking an ADR shipment

Once the goods have been correctly packed, they must be properly marked.

Depending on their classification, the package may need to display, among other things:

• the UN number,

• hazard labels corresponding to the relevant class,

• subsidiary hazard labels,

• the environmentally hazardous substance mark,

• orientation arrows,

• other markings required for the specific dangerous good.

As a general rule, ADR requires the package to display the UN number corresponding to the goods contained inside and the appropriate hazard labels indicating the hazards present.

Shipment markings serve a very important practical purpose. They allow those involved in transport to identify the type of hazard they are dealing with and determine how the shipment should be handled.

ADR documentation

Unlike a typical LQ shipment, full ADR transport also involves the preparation of appropriate transport documentation, unless a relevant exemption applies to the particular carriage.

The ADR transport document identifies the dangerous goods being carried and allows the carrier and emergency services to quickly determine the nature of the hazard.

Depending on the goods, the documentation includes, among other things:

• UN number,

• Proper Shipping Name,

• hazard class,

• packing group, where assigned,

• number and description of packages,

• total quantity of dangerous goods,

• consignor details,

• consignee details,

• any required additional information.

Polish regulations also require participants in the transport operation to provide the person carrying out the transport with the documents required under both national legislation and ADR.

Driver and vehicle

For larger dangerous goods transport operations, the requirements do not end with the package itself.

Depending on the type and quantity of dangerous goods carried, the requirements may also relate to:

driver qualifications,

equipment of the transport unit,

vehicle marking,

fire extinguishers,

personal protective equipment,

emergency equipment,

documents carried in the vehicle,

and, in certain cases, the construction and approval of the vehicle itself.

A driver performing carriage for which ADR requires completion of the relevant training course must hold a valid ADR driver training certificate. In Poland, obtaining such a certificate requires completion of the appropriate course and passing an examination.

This does not mean, however, that every vehicle carrying any ADR goods must be a specialist vehicle holding an ADR certificate of approval. Such certificates apply to specific vehicle types, including FL, AT, EX/II, EX/III and MEMU.

Instructions in the event of an emergency

One element of the ADR system is ensuring that the vehicle crew is also prepared for situations that should not occur during properly conducted transport.

Where required by the regulations, written instructions must be carried in the vehicle setting out the basic actions to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency.

These instructions should be readily available to the vehicle crew.

This is important, among other things, in the event of a leak, fire, damaged packaging or road accident.

Why does ADR transport cost more?

ADR transport is not an ordinary courier service with an additional label placed on the box.

The higher cost results from the entire safety system necessary to carry out the transport correctly.

The price may take into account, among other things:

• a specialist carrier,

• an appropriately prepared vehicle,

• required equipment,

• driver qualifications,

• additional documentation,

• dangerous goods handling at terminals,

• restrictions concerning routes and destination countries,

• additional carrier requirements,

• the responsibility associated with transporting dangerous goods.

The cost also depends on the hazard class, quantity of product, number of transport units, weight, collection point and delivery destination.

For this reason, the price of ADR transport is higher than the basic price of an LQ shipment and is determined individually for each order.

Why can an ordinary courier often not transport such a shipment?

Courier companies have their own procedures and define the range of dangerous goods they are prepared to handle.

Not every carrier provides full ADR transport. Some companies handle only LQ shipments, some accept only selected classes of dangerous goods, while others completely exclude certain substances from their networks.

Therefore, even a correctly packed and marked ADR product cannot automatically be handed over to any courier company.

Before dispatch, it is necessary to verify whether the selected carrier is able, under its own procedures, to accept the relevant UN number, class and quantity of product.

How are ADR shipments prepared at Synthetika?

ADR and LQ shipments in our company are prepared exclusively by persons who have received appropriate training in the transport of dangerous goods.

The persons responsible for this process have specialist training covering activities related to the classification, packing, marking and dispatch of such shipments, including employees who have completed training concluded with a state examination.

This is particularly important because the consignor's responsibility does not end when the box is handed over to the courier.

Before dispatch, the following must be verified, among other things:

the transport classification of the product,

the UN number,

the permitted method of carriage,

the appropriate packaging,

the condition of the packaging,

the correctness of the closure,

the required markings,

compliance of the quantity with the selected method of transport,

the documentation,

and whether the selected carrier is able to accept the relevant goods.

National regulations also require persons performing activities related to the carriage of dangerous goods to be trained, before commencing those activities, in accordance with the scope of their responsibilities and duties.

Safety takes priority over the lowest shipping cost

The carriage of dangerous goods involves significantly greater responsibility than the transport of an ordinary commercial product.

An incorrectly prepared shipment may pose a risk to the courier collecting the package, terminal employees, the driver, other cargo carried in the vehicle, other road users and the final recipient.

For this reason, at Synthetika we do not dispatch goods requiring ADR transport as ordinary shipments solely in order to reduce delivery costs.

If a particular product and quantity qualify for LQ, the shipment is prepared in accordance with the rules applicable to Limited Quantities, and the cost of such handling is included in the basic delivery price.

If the nature or quantity of the goods requires ADR transport to be organised, we prepare the shipment in accordance with the requirements applicable to the particular product, and the transport cost is calculated individually.

The additional charge for ADR transport therefore does not arise simply because the shipment contains a chemical product. It results from the need to ensure an appropriate level of safety and comply with requirements concerning packaging, marking, documentation, the carrier and the transport process itself.

ADR applies to road transport

It is also important to remember that ADR applies to the carriage of dangerous goods by road.

Other modes of transport are subject to separate regulations. Dangerous goods transported by air are subject to significantly more restrictive requirements applicable to DGR shipments, while sea transport is governed by the IMDG Code.

Therefore, the fact that a product can be shipped under ADR within Europe does not automatically mean that the exact same shipment, in the same packaging and with the same markings, can be transferred to air transport.

Responsible transport of chemical substances

Proper transport of dangerous goods is part of the responsible handling and distribution of chemical substances.

ADR should not be regarded merely as an additional formality that makes shipping more difficult. The system establishes rules that allow substances presenting genuine hazards to be transported safely between manufacturers, distributors and recipients.

For this reason, the delivery method for every larger shipment containing dangerous goods is selected on the basis of its actual classification and quantity.

The safety of everyone involved in the transport process and compliance with applicable regulations take priority over selecting the cheapest available shipping method.

DGR Air Transport – Safe Shipment of Dangerous Goods by Air

Air transport of dangerous goods is one of the most demanding and restrictive forms of transporting chemical substances. Unlike road transport, even a relatively small quantity of a product may be subject to highly detailed requirements concerning classification, packaging, maximum permitted quantity, marking and documentation.

This is not solely due to the nature of air transport itself. In the event of an incident on the road, a vehicle can be stopped and emergency services can gain direct access to the cargo. In an aircraft flying at an altitude of several or even more than ten kilometres, the possibilities for intervention are significantly more limited. For this reason, the requirements governing the carriage of dangerous goods by air have been developed primarily to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring on board.

The international system is based on Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention and the ICAO Technical Instructions, Doc 9284. In 2026, the 2025–2026 edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions applies and remains valid until 31 December 2026. In practice, the aviation industry primarily uses the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, or IATA DGR. In 2026, the 67th edition of the IATA DGR applies. ICAO

What does DGR mean?

DGR stands for Dangerous Goods Regulations. The IATA DGR is the primary operational source of requirements used by airlines, cargo agents, freight forwarders, ground handling operators and shippers preparing dangerous goods for air transport.

The regulations determine, among other things, whether a specific product may be transported by air, in what quantity, how it must be packed, which markings must appear on the package and which documents must accompany the shipment. They also cover requirements concerning acceptance of the shipment by the operator, storage, loading and the provision of information to the aircraft crew. IATA

DGR should not, however, be understood merely as the hazard labels placed on a box. Correct preparation of a shipment begins much earlier, with the proper identification and classification of the product.

Why is air transport more restrictive than road transport?

An aircraft is a unique transport environment. During carriage, changes in pressure and temperature occur, while the ability to intervene in the event of a leak, fire or chemical reaction is significantly more limited than during road transport.

For this reason, packaging must withstand not only normal logistics handling but also the conditions specific to air transport. ICAO places particular emphasis, among other things, on the ability of packagings containing liquids to withstand pressure differentials. Depending on the classification, the requirements may include the ability to withstand a pressure differential of at least 95 kPa or an appropriately lower value for certain Packing Group III products. ICAO

This is one of the reasons why packaging that is acceptable for road transport cannot always be used unchanged for air transport.

Not every ADR dangerous good can be transported by air

The fact that a particular product is permitted for road transport under ADR does not automatically mean that it may be shipped by air.

In air transport, dangerous goods may, among other things, be permitted on both passenger and cargo aircraft, permitted only on cargo aircraft, permitted only subject to additional conditions, or completely prohibited under normal transport conditions.

ICAO clearly distinguishes between goods prohibited under all circumstances, goods requiring a specific exemption, products permitted only on cargo aircraft and products that may also be carried on passenger aircraft. The maximum quantity permitted in a single package may also differ depending on the type of aircraft. ICAO

In practice, this means that knowing the weight of the package and the destination country is not sufficient to quote a shipment. Detailed product classification is required.

How is a DGR shipment prepared?

Correct preparation begins with determining the UN or ID number, Proper Shipping Name, class and any subsidiary hazard, packing group and the applicable packing instruction. Restrictions applicable to passenger and cargo aircraft and the requirements of the specific carrier are then checked.

Only on this basis can the method of preparing the shipment be determined. The process includes, among other things:

• verifying whether the product is permitted for air transport and ensuring correct classification,
• selecting the correct packing instruction and permitted inner and outer packagings,
• checking the maximum net quantity of product permitted in the inner packaging and in the complete package,
• ensuring chemical compatibility between the product and the packaging material,
• correctly closing and securing the packagings against leakage, damage and movement,
• applying the required markings, UN number, Proper Shipping Name, hazard labels and other required marks,
• preparing the appropriate documentation, in particular the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods where required,
• verifying State Variations and Operator Variations applicable to the relevant route.

IATA emphasises that the DGR governs this entire process: classification, packing, marking, documentation and handling of the shipment. IATA

DGR packaging

In the air transport of dangerous goods, packaging is one of the most important elements of the safety system.

Depending on the product classification, UN specification packaging may be required. It is therefore not sufficient simply to use a strong cardboard box and a properly closed bottle.

The packing instruction assigned to the specific product determines, among other things, the permitted types of packaging, maximum capacities of inner packagings, maximum net quantity per package and requirements for the outer packaging.

For liquids, particular importance is placed on leakproofness, sufficient ullage inside the packaging and resistance to changes in temperature and pressure. The packaging must be prepared so that no leakage occurs under normal conditions of air transport. ICAO

Marking an air shipment

The marking of a DGR shipment is directly linked to its classification.

The package may display the UN number, Proper Shipping Name in English, the appropriate primary and subsidiary hazard labels, the Cargo Aircraft Only label, orientation arrows, markings relating to batteries, environmentally hazardous substances and other marks required by the relevant packing instruction.

A shipment permitted only on cargo aircraft may require the distinctive Cargo Aircraft Only label. This indicates that the package must not be loaded onto a passenger aircraft.

An error in the hazard label, UN number, Proper Shipping Name or placement of the markings may result in the shipment being rejected during the acceptance check before it is accepted for carriage.

Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods

One of the most characteristic documents accompanying a fully regulated DGR shipment is the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods.

This document constitutes the shipper's formal declaration that the shipment has been correctly classified, packed, marked and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements.

It is not simply an ordinary transport form. The person signing the declaration assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided and for the correct preparation of the shipment.

In Poland, this has additional legal significance because, within the meaning of the relevant legislation, the shipper of dangerous goods is the natural person whose signature appears on the transport document or another document accompanying the shipment. The Polish Civil Aviation Authority also requires persons shipping dangerous goods from Poland to have completed the appropriate training and to be entered in the register of dangerous goods shippers. Polish Civil Aviation Authority

DGR Limited Quantity is not the same as road LQ

This is a very important distinction.

A shipment marked as LQ and correctly prepared for road transport in accordance with ADR cannot automatically be transferred to an aircraft.

Air transport has its own Limited Quantities system. For products permitted under these provisions, special packing instructions identified by the letter “Y” are used, and the package bears the air transport Limited Quantity mark containing the letter Y.

Quantity limits, packaging requirements and documentation requirements differ from those applicable to road LQ. In many cases, a product that can be transported throughout Europe without difficulty as road LQ will require completely different preparation before being shipped by air. ICAO explicitly indicates that air transport Limited Quantities are subject to their own “Y” packing instructions. ICAO

Excepted Quantities

Air transport regulations also allow certain substances to be carried in very small amounts as Excepted Quantities.

However, this is not simply an “even smaller LQ”. It is a separate system with its own limits, E codes and requirements concerning packaging and marking.

Not all classes and packing groups are eligible. Certain substances are assigned code E0, which means that transport under Excepted Quantities provisions is not permitted. ICAO

Airlines may impose additional restrictions

Compliance with the general requirements of the IATA DGR does not guarantee that every airline will accept the shipment.

The DGR includes State Variations and Operator Variations. A country through which the shipment is transported may impose additional requirements, while a particular airline may apply rules that are more restrictive than the basic IATA requirements.

For example, an operator may refuse to carry a particular hazard class entirely, reduce the maximum permitted quantity or impose additional packaging requirements.

For this reason, the route of a DGR shipment must also be assessed with regard to the carriers participating in the entire transport chain. IATA publishes and updates such variations as part of the DGR system. www-ade.iata.org

Why are DGR shipments more expensive?

The cost of transporting dangerous goods by air is higher than the cost of an ordinary international shipment.

This is not merely a surcharge for placing a DGR label on the package. The price reflects the entire process: specialist preparation of the shipment, appropriate packaging, documentation, shipper qualifications, the acceptance check, specialist terminal handling and the limited number of carriers and routes that accept specific classes of dangerous goods.

It is also important whether the product may travel on a passenger aircraft or only as Cargo Aircraft Only. In the latter case, the availability of suitable connections may be considerably more limited.

For this reason, DGR air shipments are quoted individually by us on the basis of the type of product, its classification, quantity, destination and the available transport route.

Who may prepare a DGR shipment?

In Poland, the shipper of an air shipment containing dangerous goods must hold the appropriate qualifications.

Training must correspond to the actual responsibilities of the person involved in the transport process, must be successfully completed and must include, among other things, general knowledge, function-specific knowledge and safety requirements. According to information provided by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority, shipper training is valid for 24 months. A person shipping dangerous goods from the territory of Poland must also be included in the register of shippers maintained by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority. Polish Civil Aviation Authority

DGR transport at Synthetika

Air shipments of dangerous goods at Synthetika are prepared by persons holding the qualifications required to ship dangerous goods by air and who are entered in the public Register of Shippers maintained by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority.

Registration numbers of persons qualified to prepare our DGR shipments:

4171 /SHP/DG/ULC/2026
4172 /SHP/DG/ULC/2026
2774 /SHP/DG/ULC/2025

These registrations can be found in the public register maintained by the Polish Civil Aviation Authority. In the current register dated 14 October 2026, registration numbers 4171 and 4172 are listed, while registration 2774 was issued in 2025 and remains included in the register. Polish Civil Aviation Authority

Every DGR shipment requires us to individually verify the product, its classification, permitted quantities, packing instructions, carrier requirements and the route by which the shipment will be transported. Only after this analysis has been completed can we confirm whether shipment is possible and determine its cost.

Safety over the lowest shipping cost

When it comes to air transport, dangerous goods requirements cannot be treated as a mere formality.

An incorrectly classified or improperly packed substance may pose a risk not only to terminal and carrier personnel, but also to the aircraft, crew and passengers.

For this reason, products classified as dangerous goods are not declared by us as neutral goods simply in order to reduce shipping costs.

Where transport requires DGR procedures, the shipment is prepared in accordance with the requirements applicable to air transport. The higher cost of such a service results from the need to provide appropriate packaging, qualified personnel, documentation and specialist logistics handling.

This ensures that the transport can be carried out safely not only for the consignor and consignee, but for everyone involved throughout the entire transport chain.