How to Fill a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods: India Step-by-Step

What Is a Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods?

A Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDG) — also called the DGD or "shippers dec" — is the primary legal document that accompanies every dangerous goods air shipment. It is required by IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and is your signed confirmation that the goods have been classified, packed, marked, labelled, and declared in accordance with IATA DGR.

If the declaration is incorrect or incomplete, your shipment will be rejected at the cargo terminal — or worse, accepted and flagged mid-route, causing delays, fines, and potential blacklisting from the airline.

Who Can Fill a Shipper's Declaration?

Only a person with valid IATA DGR initial training (Category 6 or equivalent) is permitted to complete a Shipper's Declaration. In India, the BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) and IATA both require documented training for DG shipper staff. If you are shipping through a licensed freight forwarder like MFLS, our certified team completes the DGD on your behalf.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill the Shipper's Declaration Form

Step 1 — Shipper Details (Box 1)

Enter your full company name, address including city, state, PIN code, and country (India). Include your contact number. This must match the AWB shipper field exactly.

Step 2 — Consignee Details (Box 2)

Enter full destination address, country, and consignee name. For international shipments, include the country code.

Step 3 — Air Waybill Number (Box 3)

Enter the HAWB or MAWB number. For consolidated shipments, use the House AWB. Leave blank and fill after AWB is issued if completing in advance.

Step 4 — Page Number

Format: "Page 1 of 1" for single-page declarations. Multi-substance shipments may span multiple pages.

Step 5 — Airport of Departure & Destination (Boxes 4–5)

Use IATA airport codes: DEL for Delhi, BOM for Mumbai, BLR for Bangalore. Destination: SIN, DXB, LHR, etc.

Step 6 — Radioactive / Non-Radioactive Checkbox

Check "NOT RADIOACTIVE" for all standard DG shipments. Only radioactive material (Class 7) uses the other field.

Step 7 — Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods (Main Table)

This is the most critical section. For each substance:

• UN Number: e.g., UN3480
• Proper Shipping Name: Exactly as listed in IATA DGR Table 4.2 — e.g., "Lithium ion batteries"
• Class / Division: e.g., 9
• Subsidiary Risk: If applicable
• Packing Group: I, II, or III (or N/A for Class 9)
• Quantity and Type of Packing: e.g., "2 packages, each containing 4 cells, net weight 500g each"
• Packing Instruction: e.g., PI 965, PI 966, PI 967
• Authorization: Only for goods requiring specific approvals

Step 8 — Additional Handling Information

Include EMS codes if required (for IMDG), temperature control instructions for Class 6.2 / biologicals, or special storage instructions. For lithium batteries, add: "Lithium batteries in compliance with Section II of PI 965."

Step 9 — Certification / Signature Box

The signatory must be IATA DGR trained. Enter: place (city), date, and sign. Print name and title below. The signatory is personally liable for the accuracy of this declaration.

Formatting Rules for the Indian Market

• Use the IATA-standard 2-column format (Cargo IMP layout) — both columns must be completed identically
• No corrections using whitener/correction fluid — restart on a new form
• Print clearly in block letters if handwritten; typed is preferred
• Submit 3 copies: one for airline, one for freight forwarder, one for your records
• The DGD must accompany the shipment from origin to destination

Acceptance at Indian Airports

At Delhi IGI, Mumbai CSIA, and Bangalore KIA, DG cargo is accepted at dedicated DG acceptance counters. The airline DG acceptance officer will verify your DGD against the physical package, labels, and markings before generating an e-AWB. Ensure your DGD is presented alongside the DG packaging certificate if using UN-certified packaging.

When You Need a Professional

For complex shipments — multiple substances, mixed classes, radioactive material, or goods requiring special DGCA approvals — working with a certified DG freight forwarder like MFLS ensures your documentation is 100% compliant from day one. Our team prepares the DGD, coordinates with the airline DG desk, and tracks acceptance confirmation.