When it comes to air transport, there are certain items that are strictly prohibited.
Explosives
, compressed gas, corrosive materials, and stand-alone batteries are all restricted from being shipped by air. Additionally, live animals, human remains, hazardous waste, and alcohol and tobacco products are also prohibited. Out of the 1.25 million packages of hazardous materials shipped each year, three types of hazardous goods stand out: flammable liquids, dry ice, and lithium batteries.Dry ice is commonly used as a coolant for frozen foods and pharmaceuticals, including vaccines. It may come as a surprise that many everyday items can be dangerous when transported by air.
Lithium batteries
, dry ice, and spray whipped cream are all considered dangerous goods. Vibrations, static electricity, and changes in temperature and pressure can cause these items to leak, generate toxic fumes, start a fire, or even explode if not handled properly.The consequences for transporting prohibited items vary depending on the item and the shipping company. IATA works hard to ensure that air transport remains safe for both passengers and cargo. If an item is found to be on a prohibited aircraft, the airline may refuse to transport it and law enforcement may confiscate it. It is important to be aware of the items that cannot be transported by air in order to avoid any potential legal or safety issues.
This guide will provide an overview of the goods that are prohibited from being shipped by air, as well as the consequences for transporting them.
