Dangerous Goods
Regulatory basis
Annex 18 and the ICAO Technical Instructions govern dangerous goods, implemented in Pakistan through the CARs. The shipper is responsible for correct classification, packing, marking, labelling and documentation; the operator is responsible for acceptance checks and safe carriage.
Core rules
- Nine classes: explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidisers, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, miscellaneous.
- An acceptance checklist must be completed before cargo is loaded; the load is recorded and a notification to the commander (NOTOC) is provided.
- Training is required for shippers, packers, freight forwarders, ground handlers and crew, with recurrent training.
- Forbidden dangerous goods must not be carried; State and operator variations apply.
- Incidents and undeclared dangerous goods must be reported.
Worked example
A passenger presents a 120 Wh lithium-ion battery. It is not permitted in checked baggage. Spare batteries must be in carry-on baggage, terminals protected against short circuit, and 100-160 Wh batteries require operator approval; above 160 Wh carriage is forbidden for passengers.
Traps
Passenger and cargo rules differ; “not restricted” is a technical declaration, not a general permission; and an operator variation can be stricter than the ICAO Technical Instructions.