What is a 'Dangerous Good'?

A Dangerous Good is “any substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce”, this includes items such as batteries, aerosols, and flammable liquids.  Certain products may seem harmless but can become hazardous when moving through a transport network due to factors like pressure, temperature, static electricity and vibration. 

Government regulations define what products are ‘Dangerous Goods’ and what category of Dangerous Good they are – different rules apply to different categories of Dangerous Goods.  Certain categories may be carried with little issue, some may be carried in limited quantity, while others may not be carried at all. 

Certain types and quantities of Dangerous Goods CAN be sent through our delivery network, provided the correct process for doing so is followed.

Please note: Because Dangerous Goods cannot travel by air and need to travel by road, please allow up to three days for delivery, especially if the parcel is traveling between islands.

Dangerous Goods Policy

You must have an account with New Zealand Couriers if you wish to send any accepted Dangerous Goods within our network.

The New Zealand Couriers Dangerous Goods (DG) Policy outlines the categories of Dangerous Goods we can carry, the categories we can only carry in limited quantity (DGLQ), and those we do not allow to be sent through our network.

It also outlines the process that MUST be followed for the accepted type of Dangerous Goods to be sent through our network. Our process exists to ensure both the sender, and us as a carrier, comply with government regulation, and protects the health and safety of our contractors and depot staff.

How to send a Dangerous Goods item/s with New Zealand Couriers

1. Review the New Zealand Couriers Dangerous Goods Policy to ensure that we allow your particular type of Dangerous Goods to be sent through our network and the process required for it to be sent.
2. The law requires that any person sending Dangerous Goods must have the appropriate training and or knowledge of the Dangerous Goods rule, or IATA rule,  to be able to send Dangerous Goods.
3. You must complete a Dangerous Goods Declaration form for each item sent that is classified as a ‘Dangerous Goods’ item.  Dangerous Goods Declaration Forms are available from your local branch. 
4. The items must be packaged to meet with the legislative requirements for the particular sending class.  
5. Each Dangerous Goods Consignment must be marked and labeled in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer of the goods. 
6. One DG ticket must be attached to every parcel containing Dangerous Goods.

The Ministry of Transport is the governing body for Dangerous Goods regulations in New Zealand, more information about New Zealand Dangerous Goods regulations can be found on their website.