Transporting dangerous goods
26 November 2021
Moving dangerous goods by road, rail or air can involve the risk of spillage, fire, explosion, chemical burn or environmental damage, and can endanger the people handling and transporting them.
The regulations that cover the carriage of dangerous goods are highly prescriptive and goods must be packed and transported according to international regulations. You cannot transport dangerous goods by carrying them on public transport, by taxi, in your personal vehicle, or by taking them onto an aircraft.
Transport of hazardous goods by Royal Mail is possible in limited cases and limited quantities.
> Information about sending restricted items and what is prohibited is available on the Royal Mail website
What are dangerous goods
Dangerous goods may be pure chemicals, mixtures of substances, manufactured products or articles which can pose a risk to people, animals or the environment if not properly handled in use or in transport.
- Explosives
- Flammable gas, non-flammable, non-toxic gas, toxic gas
- Flammable liquid
- Flammable solid, spontaneously combustible substance, substance which emits flammable gas in contact with water
- Oxidising substance, organic peroxide
- Toxic substance, infectious substance
- Radioactive material
- Corrosive substances
- Miscellaneous dangerous substances
How can I transport dangerous goods
UCL has approved couriers for the transport of dangerous substances.
- Biocair and CitySprint are approved for the transport of High Consequence Dangerous Goods, such as Category A Biological substances
- Biocair, CitySprint, DHL and SMA Worldwide may be used for other hazardous materials
> For information about approved couriers contact UCL Mail & Courier Services
Where can I get advice
Information on the transportation of dangerous goods can be found on the Safety Services website.
> Transportation of dangerous goods
> Transportation of chemicals
> Transportation of biological substances (Infectious substances)
> Transportation of radiological materials
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
UCL has a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) to advise on the local, national and international transport of dangerous goods, according to transport regulations. The DGSA cannot provide advice on the requirements for import and export licenses, including developments as a result of Brexit.
> Contact the Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor