How to Ship Aerosols and Pressurised Goods in Australia

Learning how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods starts with compliance before booking. Undeclared or incorrectly prepared dangerous goods can be refused before loading and removed from transport networks. In its review leading to ADG Code Edition 7.7, the National Transport Commission identified limited quantity complexity and compliance burden as recurring issues affecting dangerous goods declarations. Most shipment failures occur because businesses confirm transport first and classify it later.

This guide explains how to classify, package, label, document, and select a carrier for aerosol and pressurised goods shipments in Australia.

   

        

   

     

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What You Need to Know About Shipping Aerosols in Australia: Summary

Before you book, understand how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods by completing these steps in order: 

• Classify the goods first. Use Section 14 of the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the UN number, Proper Shipping Name, transport class, and whether the shipment qualifies for reduced transport provisions. Most aerosols are classified as UN 1950 under the ADG Code Edition 7.9.
• Confirm Limited Quantity (LQ) eligibility. Check whether packaging limits and transport conditions allow LQ treatment. Qualification may reduce some packaging and marking requirements, but does not remove all transport obligations.
• Package to ADG requirements. Protect valves, prevent internal movement, and use approved outer packaging where required so the shipment remains acceptable for transport.
• Apply required marks and labels. Display the correct Class 2 hazard label, Limited Quantity mark where applicable, and transport identification markings on the outer package.
• Prepare the shipping documents. Commercial dangerous goods shipments may require a transport document, a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods for eligible air shipments, and an up-to-date SDS depending on mode and quantity.
• Choose a carrier that accepts your dangerous goods classification. Most aerosol shipments travel by road in Australia, while air transport is available only for goods that meet the current IATA’s dangerous goods requirements.

Once you understand how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods correctly, Couriers & Freight can help connect you with carriers that accept shipments of declared dangerous goods. 

Step 1: Classify Your Goods Before You Book

The first step in learning how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods is classifying the shipment against the ADG Code before booking with a carrier. Classification determines whether the shipment can travel by road, whether additional controls apply, and whether the goods qualify for LQ.

The current published edition is ADG Code Edition 7.9 issued by the NTC. It became available for use from 1 October 2024 and becomes mandatory nationally from 1 October 2025. Table 3.2.3 of the Code lists dangerous goods classifications and transport descriptions.

To classify an aerosol shipment, request the product SDS from the manufacturer or supplier. The SDS contains transport information required for freight preparation. Review Section 14, titled “Transport Information”, to confirm the transport classification before selecting packaging or a carrier.

Classification should produce three outputs:

• UN number: Most aerosols are classified as UN 1950 (AEROSOLS) under the ADG Code.
• Proper Shipping Name: Use the transport description shown in the SDS and ADG classification information, such as “AEROSOLS” or “AEROSOLS, flammable” where applicable.
• LQ eligibility: Confirm whether the goods meet the quantity limits and transport conditions that allow reduced dangerous goods requirements.

Pro Tip: Do not assume that all UN 1950 products qualify for Limited Quantity (LQ) provisions. Eligibility depends on classification, packaging limits, and applicable transport provisions under the ADG Code. Confirm acceptance requirements with the carrier before booking.

Step 2: Pack to ADG Code Standards

Knowing how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods includes meeting packaging requirements that comply with dangerous goods transport rules. Packaging must prevent failure and maintain transport markings throughout the journey. 

Standard cardboard cartons alone may not satisfy dangerous goods requirements for bulk or higher-risk consignments. Pack in this order:

1. Protective valve caps

Check if each aerosol valve is protected against accidental activation during transport. Packaging must prevent the unintended release of contents in normal handling conditions.

2. Inner cushioning to prevent movement

Secure individual cans using internal supports such as dividers, inserts, or cushioning material so the contents cannot shift or contact each other during transit.

3. UN-approved outer packaging where required

Where transport conditions require performance-tested packaging, use UN specification packaging suitable for the shipment type and transport mode. For air transport, packaging must comply with applicable IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and packing instructions.

4. Dunnage to eliminate void space

Fill the empty space inside the outer package so contents remain stable throughout loading and transport. Dunnage should support package integrity and maintain label visibility.

Step 3: Label and Mark the Consignment Correctly

If you want to understand how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods correctly, labelling and marking requirements must be completed before carrier acceptance.

Before a carrier accepts aerosol shipments, the outer package must display the marks and labels required under the applicable transport rules.

For aerosols and pressurised goods, focus on three areas: hazard labels, LQ marking, and transport identification markings. 

Hazard Class Labels

Aerosols are transported under Class 2 (Gases) and must display the hazard label that matches the classification shown in the Safety Data Sheet and transport documentation. Most commercial aerosols are classified as either Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas) or Class 2.2 (Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gas). Classification must follow the product transport assessment and not assumptions based on product use.

Apply labels using these rules:

• Use the Class 2.1 red diamond where the aerosol is classified as flammable.
• Use the Class 2.2 green diamond where the aerosol is classified as non-flammable and non-toxic.
• Display labels on a clearly visible outer surface of the package.
• Use a minimum label size of 100 mm × 100 mm unless reduced dimensions are specifically permitted under the applicable provisions (ADG Code Edition 7.9, Chapter 5.2).

Limited Quantity (LQ) Marking

If the shipment qualifies as Limited Quantities (LQ), the package must display the Limited Quantity mark in addition to meeting any applicable transport requirements. The LQ mark is a black and white diamond used to identify consignments moving under reduced dangerous goods provisions. It is not a substitute for classification or carrier approval.

Apply LQ marking using these rules:

• Use the black and white LQ diamond on the outer package where Limited Quantity provisions apply.
• Use a standard minimum size of 100 mm × 100 mm.
• Where package dimensions do not permit standard sizing, reduced dimensions may be permitted under applicable provisions.
• Do not assume LQ status removes all documentation or carrier requirements.

LQ eligibility is determined by dangerous goods classification and package limits, not whether the goods are intended for consumer, retail, or business use.

Additional Marking Requirements

Hazard labels alone do not complete dangerous goods preparation. The outer package must also include transport identification markings so carriers can verify acceptance conditions during handling and loading.

Apply these additional markings:

• Display the UN number exactly as shown in the SDS and transport documentation, for example, UN 1950.
• Print the Proper Shipping Name in full on the outer package.
• Apply handling orientation markings where required by the applicable packaging and transport provisions.
• Ensure markings remain visible and are not obscured by tape, shrink wrap, or package edges.

The NTC  identified complexity in Limited Quantity provisions as an area affecting compliance outcomes and industry interpretation. Where consignments do not meet carrier dangerous goods requirements, carriers may refuse acceptance until markings and documentation are corrected.

Step 4: Documentation Requirements and Carrier Acceptance for Aerosols

A key part of understanding how to ship aerosols and pressurised goods is preparing documentation that matches the shipment type, quantity, and mode of transport. Aerosol and pressurised goods also need transport documentation that matches the shipment type, quantity, and mode of transport. 

For commercial dangerous goods shipments, carriers commonly request a current SDS, while air transport that falls under dangerous goods requirements may also require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) prepared to IATA standards. Documentation requirements vary depending on whether the goods ship under ADG road provisions, Limited Quantity provisions, or IATA air rules.

Australia Post advises that dangerous and prohibited goods restrictions apply across domestic and international services, and acceptance conditions vary by product category and service type.

Because carrier acceptance policies change by transport mode and dangerous goods class, confirm acceptance requirements before preparing the shipment for collection.

Book Dangerous Goods Freight Through Couriers & Freight

Once aerosols and pressurised goods are correctly classified, packaged, labelled, and documented, the remaining step is confirming which carrier accepts that dangerous goods category and transport mode. Businesses often spend time approaching multiple carriers separately because acceptance requirements differ across road freight, Limited Quantity shipments, and air freight.

Couriers & Freight gives businesses access to carriers that accept shipments of declared dangerous goods. Road freight options support standard road-only aerosol shipments. Dangerous goods air freight is available for consignments that meet applicable IATA requirements.

If you have completed the steps in this guide, contact Couriers & Freight to confirm a road or air freight pathway for your shipment.

   

        

   

     

Book Dangerous Goods Freight in Australia

     

Couriers & Freight books road and air freight for declared aerosol and pressurised goods shipments through a single carrier platform.

     Get a Quote Now