Getting dangerous goods documentation right: Why it matters

Written by Stacy Woodall from Simpex Express

When transporting dangerous goods by road or sea, carriers must be provided with accurate information in a legally required format — typically via a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN).

The requirements for these documents are set out in Chapter 5.4 of both the ADR and the IMDG Code, and precision is critical to ensure safety, compliance, and the avoidance of costly delays.

Each DGN must present a range of specific details in a legally prescribed order. This includes the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, tunnel code, container packing certificate, flash point (if applicable), and technical chemical names for certain substances — particularly those listed as “not otherwise specified” (NOS).

Tomasz Rembecki (pictured), Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA), Simpex Express Limited: “At Simpex, we’ve seen firsthand how small errors in these documents — such as a missing flash point, the use of trade names instead of proper shipping names, or failing to include required terms like ‘waste’ or ‘environmentally hazardous’ — can have serious consequences.

“These issues don’t just lead to delays or penalties; more importantly, they jeopardise safety. In an emergency, first responders rely on the information in a DGN to act quickly and appropriately.”

A fully compliant DGN must include the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, total quantity, consignor and consignee details, and where applicable, flash point, tunnel code, and a container packing certificate.

It must be provided in the official language of the forwarding country, and also in English, French, or German — unless otherwise agreed under multilateral arrangements.

Common mistakes include omitting technical names for NOS entries, listing information in the wrong order, failing to declare waste or environmentally hazardous materials, and leaving out sea-specific details such as flash points or the phrase ‘limited quantity’.

These are not minor oversights — they are legal requirements that play a vital role in safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

That’s why having a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) is so important.

While many members of the Simpex team are trained in the transport of hazardous goods, having a DGSA provides essential regulatory oversight — supporting internal teams and ensuring our customers benefit from safe, legal, and efficient transport.

Simon Beechener, managing director, of Simpex Express Limited said: “Tomasz recently marked 10 years with Simpex.

“His regulatory expertise, combined with a strong understanding of our day-to-day operations and customer requirements, plays a key role in ensuring our dangerous goods processes remain compliant and efficient. He provides valuable support not just internally across departments, but also to our customers”

To contact Simpex call 0121 782 4444 or email [email protected]