Dangerous goods, security and environmental requirements
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are regulated through PNG CARs implementing ICAO Annex 18 and the ICAO Technical Instructions. Shippers classify, pack, mark and label consignments; operators must accept only properly documented goods, train staff, and provide the pilot with a notification to the commander (NOTOC). Passengers must declare restricted items, and lithium batteries, compressed gases, flammables and toxic substances are subject to specific limits or prohibition.
Security and environment
Security requirements implement Annex 17 through the national civil aviation security programme. Operators and aerodromes must control restricted areas, screen passengers and baggage where required, and protect aircraft from unlawful interference. Environmental requirements include Annex 16 noise and emissions standards, local noise abatement procedures and fuel efficiency obligations. Compliance is not optional merely because an item is carried privately.
Worked example
A passenger presents a spare lithium-ion battery in checked baggage. It is not automatically acceptable: spare lithium batteries are generally prohibited in checked baggage and must be protected in carry-on within the applicable limits. The operator’s acceptance staff must verify the battery type and watt-hour limit before allowing carriage.
Traps
Do not assume “personal use” exempts an item from dangerous goods rules. Do not accept a shipment on a verbal declaration alone. Do not treat security screening as the same thing as dangerous goods acceptance.