Dangerous Goods policy
The Aramex New Zealand Dangerous Goods (DG) policy applies to all Aramex New Zealand Regional Franchisees, Courier Franchisees and Customers. The Dangerous Goods policy has been developed to manage the handling and transportation of Dangerous Goods in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Land Transport Rule - Dangerous Goods 2005 and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) regulations.
DG – “Dangerous Goods” means substances or articles having the properties described in, and substances or articles declared by the relevant regulatory authority to be Dangerous Goods for transport on land. This includes packaging and empty containers that have not been cleaned after containing dangerous goods.
All Aramex Franchisee’s and their management teams are committed to ensuring that all employees and contractors involved in processing and transporting DGs are competently trained in line with this policy.
Shipper & Consignor Responsibilities
It is important that as a shipper or consignor of a Dangerous Good, that you understand your obligations under the relevant laws relating to the movement of such items. These include but are not limited to:
- Have appropriately trained DG staff to handle Dangerous Goods
- Correctly complete Dangerous Goods Declaration forms appropriately as per NZTA regulations.
- Ensure all DG items are correctly packaged and labelled in accordance with NZTA requirements.
The consignor is responsible for ensuring all the legal requirements of the Land Transport Rule - Dangerous Goods 2005 have been met. Any consignor not suitably trained in the handling of Dangerous Goods is prohibited from lodging a DG consignment for transport with the Aramex New Zealand network.
Conditions of Acceptance
Aramex New Zealand has restricted itself to certain classes or divisions of DGs that require minimal segregation during transport. Refer to Tables A and B to identify which DGs or DGLQ’s we accept and for any additional limitations or pre-approval requirements.
Application of Pre-Approval
All customers or consignors that wish to transport items classed as Dangerous Goods (DG) with Aramex New Zealand are required to complete an Application of Pre-Approval to Transport which confirms which of the approved classes of Dangerous Goods a customer may send. This form must be completed and provided to your local Aramex Regional Franchisee for approval before any Dangerous Good can be consigned.
General Conditions of acceptance
- All DGs presented for transport must be properly identified, declared using approved documents, clearly and correctly marked and labelled, and packed in approved packaging that is safe for transport. It is the consignor’s responsibility to meet these requirements.
- Approved Declaration Documents for each consignment must be provided in duplicate.
- The consignor is responsible for ensuring all the legal requirements of the Land Transport Rule - Dangerous Goods 2005 have been met.
- Dangerous Goods can NOT be delivered to rural delivery addresses.
- Due to the nature of transporting Dangerous Goods standard delivery service standards do not apply.
Customers should be aware that Dangerous Goods may be returned to them if criteria of this policy are not met. Customers will be responsible for any additional charges incurred if the return cannot be facilitated by Aramex New Zealand due to non-compliance.
Accepted dangerous goods - other than DGLQ
Except for items that fall under the Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities (DGLQ) as described in Table B, Aramex New Zealand has elected to restrict Dangerous Goods to the following classes or divisions of Dangerous Goods as described in Table A:
An approved DG Dangerous Goods Declaration form in duplicate must accompany all DG packages/consignments.
Table A: Accepted DGs – other than DGLQ
| Class or Division | Class or Division Name | Packing Group | Weight/Volume Restriction per Package | Limitation |
| 2.1 | Flammable Gas | N/A | 25kg Gross | UN 1950 Only, each individual Aerosol |
| AEROSOLS ONLY | Receptacle not exceeding 1Litre | |||
| 2.2 | Non-Flammable Gas | N/A | 25kg Gross | |
| 3.0 | Flammable | II | 25Litres | Maximum inner package 20Litres |
| Liquid | III | 25Litres | Maximum inner package 20Litres | |
| 9.0 | Miscellaneous | III | 25kg Gross/25Litres | |
| 9.0 | Miscellaneous | II | Battery content not to exceed 5kgs per package | Lithium Batteries: UN 3090, UN 3091, UN 3480, UN 3481 |
Accepted Dangerous Goods in limited quantities: DGLQ
An approved DGLQ Dangerous Goods Declaration form in duplicate must accompany all DGLQ packages/consignments with the letters DGLQ marked in the top right-hand corner.
Each package must have the Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities diamond/label on the package in accordance with the NZTA regulations.
Aramex New Zealand has elected to restrict carriage to the following classes or divisions of Dangerous Goods that may be declared as DGLQ for transport by road as described in Table B, provided they meet the inner packaging limitations:
Table B: Accepted Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities: DGLQ
| Class / Division | Class or Division Name | Packing Group | Physical State | Maximum Quantity per Inner Packaging | Maximum Quantity perOuter Package | Limitation |
| 2.1 | Flammable Gas Aerosols | N/A | Gas | 1Litre water capacity | 25kg | UN 1950 Only |
| 2.1 | Flammable Gas Fuel Cell Cartridges | N/A | Gas | 120ml | 5kg | UN 3478 / UN 3479 |
| 2.1 | Flammable Gas Gas Lighters | N/A | Gas | As authorised | 5kg | UN 1057 Only |
| 2.2 | Non Flammable Gases | N/A | Gas | 500ml water capacity | 25kg | Excludes gases that have an oxidising or corrosive risk |
| 3.0 | Flammable Liquids | II | Liquid | 1Litre water capacity | 25kg | As per DGLQ Schedule 2 Land Transport Rule. |
| 3.0 | Flammable Liquids | III | Liquid | 5Litres water capacity | 25kg | As per DGLQ Schedule 2 Land Transport Rule. |
| 9 | Miscellaneous | N/A | Misc. | Various | 25kg |
Inter-Island Dangerous Goods Movements
Maritime laws significantly differ to land transport laws in regard to what can and cannot be sent across water. Therefore, the carriage of Dangerous Goods (as a DG or DGLQ) is limited to within Island Road movement only.
Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities (DGE)
The consignment of Consumer Commodities, Small Packages or Dangerous Goods in excepted quantities as defined by the NZTA is prohibited within the Aramex New Zealand network.Reused Packaging
The reuse of packaging showing Dangerous Goods labels or UN numbers contained within a diamond are prohibited within the Aramex New Zealand network. If any part of a DG label as defined by the NZTA is visible the item will be considered a Dangerous Good and will require the appropriate DG paperwork to be completed in accordance with this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dangerous Goods
Q: What are Dangerous Goods?
A: Dangerous Goods refers to a wide range of solids, liquids and gases that have explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious, radioactive, corrosive or environmentally hazardous properties. Some common examples include but are not limited to; Aftershave, Bleach, Camping Gas, Fireworks, Fly Spray, Lighters, Matches, Nail Polish, Paint, Perfumery Products and Petrol.
Q: How can I identify what is a Dangerous Good?
A: All Dangerous Goods require specific labels to identify their particular hazard. These labels or diamonds will refer to the class of Dangerous Good and may also specify the specific UN number (e.g., UN1950) associated with that Dangerous Good.
Q: Can I send a Dangerous Good if I am not trained to handle Dangerous Goods?
A: No. New Zealand law requires any person sending or consigning Dangerous Goods for transport to hold the relevant training to handle Dangerous Goods.
Q: Why don’t I need Dangerous Goods training or hold a DG licence when I fill up my LPG Gas cylinder?
A: Dangerous Goods that can be transported as part of tools of trade or for personal domestic use do not need to follow the NZTA Dangerous Good Rule. However, when an item is sent for hire or direct reward, such as through a courier network, then the DG Rules need to apply.
Q: Are things like second-hand lawn mowers, car fuel tanks, jerry cans, chainsaws and weed eaters dangerous goods?
A: Yes. Any item that contains or once contained petrol is a Dangerous Good and needs to be transported in accordance with this policy. Items like this need to be certified safe to travel before they can be consigned for transport.
Q: Can I move Dangerous Goods between the Islands or by Air?
A: No. The transportation of Dangerous Goods within Aramex New Zealand network is restricted to Road Transport within Island only.
For more information on the transportation of Dangerous Goods through the Aramex New Zealand network please contact your local Aramex Regional Depot.