The Nine UN Hazard Classes

All dangerous goods are assigned to one of nine UN hazard classes based on the nature of the risk they pose. The class determines how the goods must be packaged, labelled, documented and handled throughout the supply chain:

Within each class, goods are further identified by a UN number — a four-digit code that specifies the exact substance or article. The correct UN number, proper shipping name, packing group and hazard class must appear on all shipping documents and packaging.

Lithium Batteries: Class 9, Four UN Numbers

Lithium batteries are one of the most commonly shipped dangerous goods categories, and one of the most frequently misdeclared. They fall under Class 9 with four distinct UN numbers depending on the battery chemistry and whether they are standalone or installed in equipment:

All lithium batteries must also be accompanied by a UN 38.3 test summary — documentation proving the batteries have passed the required safety tests under the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria.

Standalone lithium ion batteries by air (UN3480) are restricted to cargo aircraft only and must be shipped at a maximum 30% state of charge. Many airlines apply additional restrictions beyond the IATA minimum. Always confirm with the airline before booking.

Air Freight: IATA DGR Rules

Air transport is the most restrictive mode for dangerous goods. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) — updated annually — define what can fly, on which type of aircraft, in what quantities and in what packaging. Some goods are forbidden on passenger aircraft but permitted on cargo-only flights; others are forbidden entirely.

The key document for air shipments is the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD), which must be completed and signed by a trained, certified person before the airline will accept the shipment. It is the shipper's legal declaration of the goods' contents, classification and compliance.

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Sea Freight: IMDG Code

For ocean freight, the governing framework is the IMDG Code, published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMDG Code sets out segregation requirements (which hazard classes cannot be stowed near each other), packaging specifications, marking and labelling rules, and the documentation that must accompany the shipment.

At minimum, a sea freight dangerous goods shipment requires a Dangerous Goods Declaration completed by the shipper, correct IMDG labels on each package, and stowage instructions for the carrier. The booking must be made as a hazmat booking — not a standard container booking.

Road Transport in Spain: ADR

Once dangerous goods arrive at a Spanish port or airport and are cleared through customs, their onward road transport is governed by ADR — the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. ADR requires an appropriate transport document, correctly marked and labelled packages, hazard placards on the vehicle, and ADR-certified drivers carrying the required safety equipment.

Not all hauliers in Spain are ADR-certified for all classes of goods. Confirm with your freight forwarder that the last-mile carrier has the correct ADR certification for your specific hazard class before the shipment arrives.

Frequently asked questions

IATA DGR for air freight, the IMDG Code for sea freight, and ADR for road transport within Spain and Europe. Spain applies these international frameworks as part of its EU membership and treaty obligations. Spanish customs (AEAT) enforces compliance at import.
UN3480 (lithium ion batteries, standalone), UN3481 (lithium ion batteries in or packed with equipment), UN3090 (lithium metal batteries, standalone), UN3091 (lithium metal batteries in or packed with equipment). All are Class 9 dangerous goods and require a UN 38.3 test summary.
Batteries packed with or contained in equipment (UN3481) can travel on passenger and cargo aircraft within IATA watt-hour limits. Standalone lithium ion batteries (UN3480) are restricted to cargo aircraft only, at a maximum 30% state of charge. Many airlines apply additional restrictions — confirm with the airline at the time of booking.
The Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) is the mandatory document for dangerous goods air shipments. It must be completed and signed by a trained and certified person — typically the shipper or their authorised agent. It declares the exact contents, UN number, hazard class, packing group, quantity and packaging of the goods. Airlines will not accept a dangerous goods shipment without a valid DGD.
UN 38.3 refers to the section of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria that defines the safety tests lithium batteries must pass before shipment. A UN 38.3 test summary is a document issued by the battery manufacturer or an accredited test laboratory confirming the batteries have passed these tests. It is required for all lithium battery shipments, by any mode.
Undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods can be refused, detained or destroyed. Airlines and shipping lines impose significant fines. Spanish customs and the relevant transport authority — AESA for aviation, MITMA for maritime — can also intervene. The shipper is legally liable under international transport law.