title: "Dangerous Goods Packaging Basics for E-commerce Teams"
description: "Orientation for e-commerce teams on DG packaging thinking — batteries, aerosols, alcohols — with a strong get-trained bias. Not certification."
order: 27
schemaType: "Article"
navLabel: "DG Packaging"
navGroup: "Speciality"
navPriority: 2---
Read This First
Improperly shipping dangerous goods (DG) can get accounts suspended, fines issued, and people hurt. This page is orientation for ops leaders, not certification, not a packing instruction, and not permission to wing it.
If you ship lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable cosmetics, solvents, or similar — appoint a trained DG-competent person and follow carrier + regulator rules for your lanes (air vs ground differ sharply).
Why Packaging Is Part of Compliance
Regulations care about:
- Whether the article is permitted by air/ground in that quantity
- Inner packagings, absorbent materials, and closure integrity
- UN-rated outer packagings when required
- Marks, labels, and documentation
- State of charge rules for some batteries
- Operator variations (airline/carrier extras)
A pretty mailer does not override packing instructions.
Common E-commerce Hotspots
| Category | Why teams trip |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries / devices | Hidden in electronics; air rules strict |
| Aerosols | Pressure + flammability |
| Alcohol-based products | Perfume, sanitizer thresholds |
| Magnets / powders | Less common but surprise DG |
Build a SKU flag in your WMS/OMS: DG review required before a new product goes live.
Packaging Process Pattern (Non-Prescriptive)
- Classify with competent help — do not let marketing guess.
- Select approved pack methods for the mode you sell.
- Document pack-out photos and checklists at the bench.
- Train packers; quiz them; audit.
- Refuse "just this once" exceptions at peak.
AI — Use Carefully
AI can help you draft internal checklists and training quizzes from your approved procedures. AI must not invent UN numbers or packing instructions. Feed it your compliance provider's docs; do not ask a chatbot to "make it legal."
Orientation, Not Certification
This page is not a substitute for dangerous goods training or carrier acceptance rules. Lithium batteries, aerosols, and limited quantities have specific packaging, marking, and documentation requirements that change by mode (ground/air) and jurisdiction.
Practical habit: maintain a SKU flag in your catalogue for DG-relevant items, and block untrained packers from improvising. When in doubt, ask your carrier’s DG desk before you invent a “careful” mailer.
Related Operator Pages
Cold Chain when temperature + DG overlap · Packaging RFQ when buying UN cartons · Parcel Audit after carrier warnings