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Resources 

FedEx offers helpful aids to check procedures for shipping dangerous goods.

FedEx provides a Dangerous Goods Job Aid (11.7 Mb PDF) to assist you in completing the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods documentation.

The Packaging and Shipping Dangerous Goods brochure (277 Kb PDF) outlines the issue of hidden or undeclared dangerous goods. Sometimes you may not recognize that the item you are shipping qualifies as dangerous goods and requires proper identification, classification, packaging, markings, labeling and documentation. However, it is your responsibility to correctly identify and classify these shipments.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations Section 2.2 offers extensive information on the topic of hidden dangerous goods. Some of the more common commodities that may meet the definition of dangerous goods include: ammunition, aerosols, batteries, camping equipment, drain cleaners, fireworks, lighters, matches, oil-based paint, parts (with gasoline, jet A fuel or kerosene), perfume, propane, solvents and some chemicals.

Common Reasons for Rejected Shipments

Be sure to double-check your dangerous goods documentation, markings, labeling and packaging prior to tendering your shipment to FedEx Express. For your convenience, PDF copies of the FedEx checklists used during package inspection of dangerous goods are provided for your use.

Shipping checklists:


The appropriate reference in the regulations is provided for each checklist item number if you need more information.

The most common reason for rejected shipments is alterations and amendments (see IATA 8.1.2.6). If a mistake is made on the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods form, the shipper may correct the form then handwrite their full signature next to the alteration or amendment. This must be the same signature used to sign the document. The most common reason for a rejected shipment is neglecting to sign the alteration or amendment with the same signature used on the document.

IATA Information

IATA information on dangerous goods is available at www.iata.org. FedEx is not responsible for information provided on that site.
NOTE: Clicking on the link above will open a new Web site external to fedex.com in a new browser window.

Additional Assistance

Call 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 and say "dangerous goods" for the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline. Outside the U.S., call 1.901.344.3000.

Hours are:

  • 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CST Monday–Friday
  • 10 a.m.–2 p.m. CST Saturday

Declaration Forms

Interactive Shipper's Declaration forms are now available.

Shipping Batteries

For additional information about shipping batteries, download the helpful brochure Shipping Batteries Safely: What FedEx Wants You to Know (582 Kb PDF). For additional requirements and preapprovals for shipping select lithium batteries, click here.

FedEx Express will not ship batteries covered by a battery recall program, or any other defective batteries or defective electronic device being returned with its battery power source. For more information, see SAFETY ALERT: Defective Batteries and Electronic Equipment (16 Kb PDF).

Regulatory Compliance Letter 

FedEx Express complies with all federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the services we offer. For more information, read our dangerous goods and hazardous materials regulatory compliance letter (135 Kb PDF).

Division 1.3 Explosives

Due to a regulatory change affecting the loading and segregation of certain categories of explosives, FedEx Express does not accept Division 1.3 Explosives for transport in our system. If you are in need of dedicated door-to-door shipping for Division 1.3 Explosives, contact FedEx Custom Critical.

International Commodity Restrictions

When shipping the following commodities internationally, check to ensure that they are accepted by your chosen FedEx® service for delivery to the destination country and city:

  • Packages displaying both the FedEx Express Part 1 (A45) lithium battery label and the IATA lithium battery label (figure 7.4.I)
  • Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities (IATA 2.7)
  • Excepted Package Radioactives (10.5.9)

To check commodity acceptability to your destination, select Get Rates and Transit Times, enter your shipment details and then choose the Get Detailed Quote option. Use the closest keyword from among the choices provided for that hazard class. If you have questions, contact FedEx International Customer Service at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339 (say "international services").

How to Pack

Download our How to Pack brochure (4.14 Mb PDF) for answers to general questions about how to pack, seal and label packages, plus information on specialty items, such as:

  • Clinical samples; Biological Substance, Category B; and environmental test samples
  • Perishable products
  • Automotive parts