What is a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods and when is it required?

• A. A receipt for payment.
• B. An internal memo with packaging specs.
• C. A formal declaration by the shipper confirming compliance; required for air shipments of dangerous goods.
• D. A declaration used for domestic ground shipments only.

Answer: (C)

The Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods is a formal statement by the shipper confirming that the dangerous goods have been classified, packaged, labeled, and documented in accordance with applicable safety regulations. It accompanies the cargo on air transport and serves as the official attestation that the shipment meets all regulatory requirements for dangerous goods.

What it includes helps the carrier and authorities manage risk: the description of the dangerous goods, UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, quantity, packaging type, shipper and consignee details, and an emergency contact. It must be signed by the shipper. Because air transport requires strict regulatory oversight to ensure safe handling and emergency response, this declaration is required for air shipments of dangerous goods.

It isn’t a payment receipt, nor merely an internal memo about packaging specs, and it isn’t limited to domestic ground shipments; those have different documentation rules.