Dangerous Goods by Air Freight to Germany

Dangerous goods by air freight: how it works

Dangerous goods — from chemicals and acids to lithium batteries, gas cylinders, and pyrotechnics — can indeed be transported by air freight, provided they are correctly classified, packaged, and documented according to IATA DGR regulations.

Not every company has a DGR-certified employee in-house. Aircargo.nl takes care of this completely: we classify your goods, prepare the Shipper's Declaration, select the appropriate airline (not every airline accepts every DGR class), and ensure your shipment flies compliant.

Common DGR categories we ship

• Lithium batteries (UN3480, UN3481) — the most common DGR in air freight
• Liquids and chemicals (class 3, 6, 8)
• Aerosol cans and gases (class 2)
• Corrosive substances and acids (class 8)
• Magnetic materials (relevant for air navigation)

Exporting to Germany

Germany is the Netherlands' largest trading partner, and as an EU member state, air freight to Germany is a smooth, minimal-documentation process. There are no export formalities due to the free movement of goods within the EU. However, many shippers choose air freight to Germany for urgent or high-value shipments that can’t wait for truck transport.

When to use air freight to Germany?

• AOG (Aircraft on Ground) — parts that must be available immediately at another airport
• Time-critical production components for the automotive or manufacturing industries
• Valuable goods where road transport risks are too high
• Goods already arriving by plane from a third country and destined for Germany

Aircargo.nl offers daily connections to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Düsseldorf (DUS). Due to the short distance, same-day or next-morning delivery is possible in many cases.

Important points for DGR shipments

IATA DGR classification mandatory

Dangerous goods must be classified according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). The classification determines the UN class, packing group, permitted quantities per package, and the mode of transport (passenger aircraft or cargo aircraft only).

Documentation

Every DGR shipment requires a fully completed Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods, signed by a trained DGR specialist. Aircargo.nl employs certified DGR experts who prepare and verify all documentation.

Packaging

DGR goods must be packed in UN-certified packaging suitable for the UN class and packing group. Incorrect packaging is the most common reason for refusal by the airline.

Airline approval

Not all airlines accept all types of DGR. Aircargo.nl always selects the right carrier based on the DGR profile of your shipment.