Non-Dangerous Goods (NDG) Declaration Format for Courier & Air Cargo
Complete guide, legal requirements, and ready-to-use Non-Hazardous Declaration Letter Format for courier consignments (FedEx, DHL, Blue Dart, Aramex) and international air freight.
What is a Non-Dangerous Goods (NDG) Declaration?
A Non-Dangerous Goods (NDG) Declaration Letter (also called a Non-Hazardous Certificate) is a legally binding statement issued on the shipper's company letterhead. It certifies that a cargo or parcel consignment does not contain substances classified under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) or the IMDG Code.
International courier services such as FedEx, DHL Express, Blue Dart, UPS, and Aramex routinely demand an NDG letter along with a matching 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before accepting liquids, powders, cosmetics, herbal extracts, essential oils, or battery items.
Non-Hazardous Declaration Letter Format for Courier (FedEx, DHL, Blue Dart)
Below is the standard, airline-approved format required by courier customs and safety officers. Print this declaration on your Official Company Letterhead:
Top Reasons Couriers Hold or Reject NDG Letters
- No Matching SDS Attached: Courier safety desks (like DHL DG desk or FedEx DG Hotline) will reject an NDG declaration if it is not supported by a valid 16-section GHS Safety Data Sheet.
- Missing AWB or Invoice Number: The letter must explicitly link to the physical package tracking or Airway Bill (AWB) number.
- Conflict in Section 14 of SDS: If your SDS Section 14 shows a UN number (like UN 1993 or UN 1169) but your letter claims "Non-Dangerous", the parcel is flagged immediately for misdeclaration.
- Not on Official Company Letterhead: Plain printouts without company stamp, registration details, and authorized signature are rejected by port customs.
NDG Declaration vs. 16-Section SDS: Do You Need Both?
| Document | Primary Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Dangerous Goods Letter | Shipper's self-certification declaring the consignment safe for courier & express air flight. | Shipper / Exporter on Official Letterhead. |
| 16-Section GHS SDS | Technical regulatory proof containing composition, toxicology, flash point, and Section 14 IATA classification. | Qualified Regulatory / Chemical Expert (ChemSDS). |
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