{"id":15318,"date":"2026-09-30T09:29:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T07:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avico.com\/news\/"},"modified":"2026-09-30T09:29:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T07:29:16","slug":"class-1-dangerous-goods-air-freight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avico.com\/en\/news\/class-1-dangerous-goods-air-freight\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Freight ADR Class 1: Transporting Explosives by Air\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addTransporting explosives by air is far more complex than arranging a standard cargo charter. <\/span>Class 1 dangerous goods<\/span><\/b> covers substances and articles whose risks can vary significantly depending on their sensitivity, potential effects and classification. International air transport is governed by the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, with restrictions that may be further strengthened by individual states and airlines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One terminology point is worth clarifying: <\/span>ADR<\/span><\/b> applies to the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. For air transport, the main reference framework consists of Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention, the ICAO Technical Instructions and, in practical air freight operations, the IATA DGR. A multimodal shipment may therefore be subject to several regulatory frameworks in succession.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this context, <\/span>ADR Class 1 air freight<\/span><\/b> should be understood as the transport of goods falling within Class 1, potentially involving a road leg governed by ADR before or after the flight. Preparing the shipment, selecting the operator and obtaining the necessary authorisations are therefore key stages of the operation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Does Class 1 Dangerous Goods Cover?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Class 1 covers <\/span>explosive substances and articles<\/span><\/b>. This category includes products designed to produce an explosive or pyrotechnic effect, as well as certain products used in industry, mining, quarrying and defence activities. French regulations also distinguish between explosive substances, explosive articles and certain articles designed to produce a practical explosive or pyrotechnic effect.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this classification does not mean that all Class 1 products present the same level of danger. On the contrary, their potential behaviour during transport determines a much more detailed classification.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This distinction is particularly important in air freight. The IATA DGR establishes specific rules governing the classification, packaging, marking, labelling and documentation of dangerous goods. Transport restrictions may also result in certain shipments being prohibited or subject to specific conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Risk Divisions Within Class 1<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Class 1 is divided into six divisions, numbered from 1.1 to 1.6. They identify the principal type of hazard associated with the goods.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Division<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nGeneral nature of the risk<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.1<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nMass explosion hazard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.2<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nProjection hazard, without mass explosion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.3<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nFire hazard with limited blast or projection effects<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.4<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRelatively limited hazard, principally confined to the package<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.5<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVery insensitive substances that nevertheless present a mass explosion hazard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.6<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nExtremely insensitive articles with no mass explosion hazard<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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The classification is supplemented by a <\/span>compatibility group<\/span><\/b>, identified by a letter. This helps determine, among other things, the conditions under which certain goods can be transported together.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These compatibility groups should not be confused with the packing groups used for certain other classes of dangerous goods. For Class 1, the assessment is primarily based on the UN designation, division, compatibility group, packaging requirements and the restrictions applicable to air transport. Classifications are established according to standardised criteria and testing procedures.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most importantly, the classification applicable to air transport cannot be determined solely from a product\u2019s commercial name. It must be established on the basis of its regulatory designation and the available technical data.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mining, Industrial and Defence Sectors<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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The transport of Class 1 dangerous goods concerns several professional sectors. Civilian-use explosives are notably used in mining, quarrying and certain construction or infrastructure projects. French regulations also cover pyrotechnic articles and certain specialised products.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Requirements may therefore concern:<\/span><\/p>\n

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