International Standards

and Recommended Practices

Annex 18
to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation

The Safe Transport of

Dangerous Goods by Air

This edition incorporates all amendments

adopted by the Council prior to 5 March 2011
and supersedes, on 17 November 2011, all previous
editions of Annex 18.
For information regarding the applicability
of the Standards and Recommended Practices,
see Foreword and the relevant clauses in
each Chapter.

Fourth Edition
July 2011

International Civil Aviation Organization

International Standards
and Recommended Practices

Annex 18
to the Convention on
International Civil Aviation

The Safe Transport of

Dangerous Goods by Air

This edition incorporates all amendments

adopted by the Council prior to 5 March 2011
and supersedes, on 17 November 2011, all previous
editions of Annex 18.
For information regarding the applicability
of the Standards and Recommended Practices,
see Foreword and the relevant clauses in
each Chapter.

Fourth Edition
July 2011

International Civil Aviation Organization

Published in separate English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian

and Spanish editions by the
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION
999 University Street, Montral, Quebec, Canada H3C 5H7

For ordering information and for a complete listing of sales agents

and booksellers, please go to the ICAO website at www.icao.int

First Edition 1984

Second Edition 1989
Third Edition 2001
Fourth Edition 2011

Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air are
approved, issued and amended by the Council and amplify the basic provisions of
Annex 18. They contain all the detailed instructions necessary for the safe
international transport of dangerous goods by air. Though not Standards themselves,
they assume the character of Standards by virtue of Standard 2.2.1 of Annex 18.
For this reason, the detailed requirements of the Technical Instructions are
considered binding on a State unless, in the event that the State is unable to accept
the binding nature of the Technical Instructions, it has notified a difference to the
provisions of paragraph 2.2.1 of Annex 18 under Article 38 of the Convention. The
Technical Instructions are published by ICAO in Doc 9284 which represents the only
authentic source material.

Annex 18, The Safe Transport of Dangerous Good by Air

Order Number: AN 18
ISBN 978-92-9231-813-0

ICAO 2011
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior
permission in writing from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

AMENDMENTS
Amendments are announced in the supplements to the Catalogue of ICAO
Publications; the Catalogue and its supplements are available on the ICAO website
at www.icao.int. The space below is provided to keep a record of such amendments.

RECORD OF AMENDMENTS AND CORRIGENDA

AMENDMENTS
No.
1-10

Date
applicable

Date
entered

CORRIGENDA
Entered
by

No.

Incorporated in this edition

(iii)

Date
of issue

Date
entered

Entered
by

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
FOREWORD ..............................................................................................................................................................

(vii)

CHAPTER 1.

Definitions ........................................................................................................................................

1-1

CHAPTER 2.

Applicability .....................................................................................................................................

2-1

General applicability ................................................................................................................................

Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions ................................................................................................
Domestic civil aircraft operations ............................................................................................................
Exceptions ...............................................................................................................................................
Notification of variations from the Technical Instructions ......................................................................
Surface transport ......................................................................................................................................
National authority ....................................................................................................................................

2-1
2-1
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-3

CHAPTER 3. Classification ....................................................................................................................................

3-1

CHAPTER 4. Limitation on the transport of dangerous goods by air .....................................................................

4-1

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7

4.1
4.2
4.3

Dangerous goods permitted for transport by air ......................................................................................

Dangerous goods forbidden for transport by air unless exempted ...........................................................
Dangerous goods forbidden for transport by air under any circumstances ..............................................

4-1
4-1
4-1

CHAPTER 5. Packing .............................................................................................................................................

5-1

5.1
5.2

General requirements ...............................................................................................................................

Packagings ...............................................................................................................................................

5-1
5-1

CHAPTER 6. Labelling and marking ......................................................................................................................

6-1

6.1
6.2
6.3

Labels ......................................................................................................................................................
Markings ..................................................................................................................................................
Languages to be used for markings .........................................................................................................

6-1
6-1
6-1

CHAPTER 7. Shippers responsibilities ..................................................................................................................

7-1

7.1
7.2
7.3
ANNEX 18

General requirements ...............................................................................................................................

Dangerous goods transport document......................................................................................................
Languages to be used ...............................................................................................................................
(v)

7-1
7-1
7-1
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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Table of Contents
Page

CHAPTER 8. Operators responsibilities ................................................................................................................

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9

8-1

Acceptance for transport ..........................................................................................................................

Acceptance checklist ...............................................................................................................................
Loading and stowage ...............................................................................................................................
Inspection for damage or leakage ............................................................................................................
Loading restrictions in passenger cabin or on flight deck........................................................................
Removal of contamination .......................................................................................................................
Separation and segregation ......................................................................................................................
Securing of dangerous goods cargo loads ................................................................................................
Loading on cargo aircraft.........................................................................................................................

8-1
8-1
8-1
8-1
8-2
8-2
8-2
8-2
8-2

CHAPTER 9. Provision of information ...................................................................................................................

9-1

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6

Information to pilot-in-command ............................................................................................................

Information and instructions to flight crew members ..............................................................................
Information to passengers ........................................................................................................................
Information to other persons ....................................................................................................................
Information from pilot-in-command to aerodrome authorities ................................................................
Information in the event of an aircraft accident or incident .....................................................................

9-1
9-1
9-1
9-1
9-1
9-1

CHAPTER 10. Establishment of training programmes ...........................................................................................

10-1

CHAPTER 11. Compliance .....................................................................................................................................

11-1

11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4

Inspection systems ...................................................................................................................................

Cooperation between States .....................................................................................................................
Penalties ...................................................................................................................................................
Dangerous goods by mail ........................................................................................................................

CHAPTER 12.

11-1
11-1
11-1
11-1

Dangerous goods accident and incident reporting ..........................................................................

12-1

CHAPTER 13. Dangerous goods security provisions .............................................................................................

13-1

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ANNEX 18

FOREWORD

Historical background
The material in this Annex was developed by the Air Navigation Commission in response to a need expressed by Contracting
States for an internationally agreed set of provisions governing the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. In order to assist in
achieving compatibility with the regulations covering the transport of dangerous goods by other modes of transport, the
provisions of this Annex are based on the Recommendations of the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of
Dangerous Goods and the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials of the International Atomic Energy
Agency.

Relationship with the Technical Instructions

for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
(Doc 9284)
The provisions of Annex 18 govern the international transport of dangerous goods by air. The broad provisions of this Annex
are amplified by the detailed specifications of the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
(Doc 9284).

Action by Contracting States

Notification of differences. The attention of Contracting States is drawn to the obligation imposed by Article 38 of the
Convention by which Contracting States are required to notify the Organization of any differences between their national
regulations and practices and the International Standards contained in this Annex and any amendments thereto. Contracting
States are invited to extend such notification to any differences from the Recommended Practices contained in this Annex, and
any amendments thereto, when the notification of such differences is important for the safety of air navigation. Further,
Contracting States are invited to keep the Organization currently informed of any differences which may subsequently occur, or
of the withdrawal of any differences previously notified. A specific request for notification of differences will be sent to
Contracting States immediately after the adoption of each amendment to this Annex.
The attention of States is also drawn to the provisions of Annex 15 related to the publication of differences between their
national regulations and practices and the related ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices through the Aeronautical
Information Service, in addition to the obligation of States under Article 38 of the Convention.
In the specific case of 2.2.1 of this Annex, it should be noted that States are expected to file a difference only if they are
unable to accept the binding nature of the Technical Instructions. Variations from the detailed provisions of the Technical
Instructions are to be reported to ICAO for publication in that document as required by 2.5 of this Annex. Such detailed
variations from the Technical Instructions will not be published with any other differences in a Supplement to this Annex and
are not expected to be published under the provisions of Annex 15.
Promulgation of information. The establishment and withdrawal of any changes to facilities, services and procedures
affecting aircraft operations provided in accordance with the Standards specified in this Annex should be notified and take
effect in accordance with the provisions of Annex 15.

ANNEX 18

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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Foreword

Status of Annex components

An Annex is made up of the following component parts, not all of which, however, are necessarily found in every Annex; they
have the status indicated:
1. Material comprising the Annex proper:
a)

Standards and Recommended Practices adopted by the Council under the provisions of the Convention. They are
defined as follows:
Standard: Any specification for physical characteristics, configuration, matriel, performance, personnel or
procedure, the uniform application of which is recognized as necessary for the safety or regularity of international
air navigation and to which Contracting States will conform in accordance with the Convention; in the event of
impossibility of compliance, notification to the Council is compulsory under Article 38.
Recommended Practice: Any specification for physical characteristics, configuration, matriel, performance,
personnel or procedure, the uniform application of which is recognized as desirable in the interest of safety,
regularity or efficiency of international air navigation, and to which Contracting States will endeavour to conform
in accordance with the Convention.

b) Appendices comprising material grouped separately for convenience but forming part of the Standards and
Recommended Practices adopted by the Council.
c)

Definitions of terms used in the Standards and Recommended Practices which are not self-explanatory in that they
do not have accepted dictionary meanings. A definition does not have independent status but is an essential part of
each Standard and Recommended Practice in which the term is used, since a change in the meaning of the term
would affect the specification.

d) Tables and Figures which add to or illustrate a Standard or Recommended Practice and which are referred to
therein, form part of the associated Standard or Recommended Practice and have the same status.
2. Material approved by the Council for publication in association with the Standards and Recommended Practices:
a)

Forewords comprising historical and explanatory material based on the action of the Council and including an
explanation of the obligations of States with regard to the application of the Standards and Recommended
Practices ensuing from the Convention and the Resolution of Adoption.

b) Introductions comprising explanatory material introduced at the beginning of parts, chapters or sections of the
Annex to assist in the understanding of the application of the text.
c)

Notes included in the text, where appropriate, to give factual information or references bearing on the Standards
or Recommended Practices in question, but not constituting part of the Standards or Recommended Practices.

d) Attachments comprising material supplementary to the Standards and Recommended Practices, or included as a
guide to their application.
Selection of language
This Annex has been adopted in six languages English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish. Each Contracting
State is requested to select one of those texts for the purpose of national implementation and for other effects provided for in the
Convention, either through direct use or through translation into its own national language, and to notify the Organization
accordingly.
17/11/11

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ANNEX 18

Foreword

Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Editorial practices

The following practice has been adhered to in order to indicate at a glance the status of each statement: Standards have been
printed in light face roman; Recommended Practices have been printed in light face italics, the status being indicated by the
prefix Recommendation; Notes have been printed in light face italics, the status being indicated by the prefix Note.
It will be noted that in the English text the following practice has been adhered to when writing the specifications:
Standards employ the operative verb shall while Recommended Practices employ the operative verb should.
Any reference to a portion of this document, which is identified by a number and/or title, includes all subdivisions of that
portion.
Table A. Amendments to Annex 18

Amendment

Source(s)

1st Edition

Air Navigation
Commission Study

Subject(s)

Adopted/approved
Effective
Applicable
26 June 1981
1 January 1983
1 January 1984

Sixth Meeting of the

Dangerous Goods
Panel

Miscellaneous amendments for alignment with Recommendations of the

UN Committee of Experts and IAEA.

26 November 1982
26 March 1983
1 January 1984

Fifth, Sixth and

Seventh Meetings
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel

Improved definitions for overpack and unit load device. Definitions of

package and packaging aligned with Recommendations of the UN
Committee of Experts. Addition of a paragraph covering surface transport
to or from aerodromes. The requirement to provide information to the
pilot-in-command revised to indicate when this information should be
given.

1 June 1983
1 October 1983
1 January 1984

Eighth Meeting
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel

Clarification of the circumstances when exemptions may be granted.

Clarification of the segregation requirements of poisons or infectious
substances from animals or foodstuffs.

25 March 1985
29 July 1985
1 January 1986

4
(2nd Edition)

Eleventh Meeting
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel

General simplification of the provisions of Annex 18 through the removal

of technical detail. Miscellaneous amendments to various provisions.

24 February 1989
23 July 1989
16 November 1989

Fourteenth and
Sixteenth Meetings
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel

Clarification of the responsibility of States to achieve compliance with

any amendment to the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of
Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284). Clarification of the exceptions to
dangerous goods carried by passengers and crew members.

10 March 1999
19 July 1999
4 November 1999

Seventeenth Meeting
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel and
Amendment 25 to
Annex 6, Part I

a)

revised definitions of dangerous goods, crew member, flight crew

member and pilot-in-command;

7 March 2001
16 July 2001
1 November 2001

b)

revision of the provisions to grant exemptions in special

circumstances by the States of Overflight to facilitate the movement
of dangerous goods in an aircraft overflying its territory;

c)

alignment of provisions regarding packaging with the Technical

Instructions;

d)

introduction of provisions to cover the requirement to load and stow

dangerous goods in accordance with the Technical Instructions;

6
(3rd Edition)

ANNEX 18

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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Amendment

10
(4th Edition)

Source(s)

Eighteenth Meeting
of the Dangerous
Goods Panel

Nineteenth Meeting of
the Dangerous Goods
Panel

Foreword

Subject(s)
e)

revision of the provisions to place the overall responsibility with

States to provide information to passengers;

f)

revision of the provisions to ensure that emergency response

personnel are informed without delay, after an accident or incident,
about the dangerous goods carried as cargo on board the aircraft;

g)

revision of the provisions to enhance cooperation between States in

taking action against shippers who wilfully violate the dangerous
goods transport regulations; and

h)

revision of the provisions of the pilot to provide information on

dangerous goods on board in the event of an emergency.

a)

notification to ICAO of appropriate national authorities responsible

for dangerous goods; and

b)

provision of emergency response information regarding dangerous

goods.

a)

a refinement of paragraph 9.6.1 to make it clear that the presence of

dangerous goods needs to be reported only in the case of a serious
incident in which the dangerous goods were likely to have been
involved; and

b)

introduction of a new Chapter 13 requiring States to establish

dangerous goods security measures.

Adopted/approved
Effective
Applicable

24 February 2003
14 July 2003
27 November 2003

16 February 2005
11 July 2005
24 November 2005

Twentieth Meeting of
the Dangerous Goods
Panel

The extension of the provisions in Chapter 12 relating to the investigation

of dangerous goods accidents and incidents to include cases of
misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods.

19 February 2007
16 July 2007
20 November 2008

Twenty-first and
twenty-second meetings
of the Dangerous Goods
Panel (DGP/21 and 22)

a)

Loading of dangerous goods on cargo only aircraft; and

b)

requirements for the issuance of exemptions and approvals in

Chapter 2 and to certain definitions in Chapter 1.

4 March 2011
18 July 2011
17 November 2011

_____________________

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(x)

ANNEX 18

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
CHAPTER 1.

DEFINITIONS

When the following terms are used in this Annex, they have the following meanings:
Approval. An authorization granted by an appropriate national authority for:
a)

the transport of dangerous goods forbidden on passenger and/or cargo aircraft where the Technical Instructions state
that such goods may be carried with an approval; or

b) other purposes as provided for in the Technical Instructions.

Note. In the absence of a specific reference in the Technical Instructions allowing the granting of an approval, an
exemption may be sought.
Cargo aircraft. Any aircraft, other than a passenger aircraft, which is carrying goods or property.
Consignment. One or more packages of dangerous goods accepted by an operator from one shipper at one time and at one
address, receipted for in one lot and moving to one consignee at one destination address.
Crew member. A person assigned by an operator to duty on an aircraft during a flight duty period.
Dangerous goods. Articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment and
which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in the Technical Instructions or which are classified according to those
Instructions.
Dangerous goods accident. An occurrence associated with and related to the transport of dangerous goods by air which results
in fatal or serious injury to a person or major property or environmental damage.
Dangerous goods incident. An occurrence, other than a dangerous goods accident, associated with and related to the transport
of dangerous goods by air, not necessarily occurring on board an aircraft, which results in injury to a person, property or
environmental damage, fire, breakage, spillage, leakage of fluid or radiation or other evidence that the integrity of the
packaging has not been maintained. Any occurrence relating to the transport of dangerous goods which seriously
jeopardizes the aircraft or its occupants is also deemed to constitute a dangerous goods incident.
Exception. A provision in this Annex which excludes a specific item of dangerous goods from the requirements normally
applicable to that item.
Exemption. An authorization, other than an approval, granted by an appropriate national authority providing relief from the
provisions of the Technical Instructions.
Flight crew member. A licensed crew member charged with duties essential to the operation of an aircraft during a flight duty
period.

ANNEX 18

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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Chapter 1

Incompatible. Describing dangerous goods which, if mixed, would be liable to cause a dangerous evolution of heat or gas or
produce a corrosive substance.
Operator. A person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation.
Overpack. An enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for
convenience of handling and stowage.
Note. A unit load device is not included in this definition.
Package. The complete product of the packing operation consisting of the packaging and its contents prepared for transport.
Packaging. Receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment
function.
Note. For radioactive material, see Part 2, paragraph 7.2 of the Technical Instructions.
Passenger aircraft. An aircraft that carries any person other than a crew member, an operators employee in an official capacity,
an authorized representative of an appropriate national authority or a person accompanying a consignment or other cargo.
Pilot-in-command. The pilot designated by the operator, or in the case of general aviation, the owner, as being in command and
charged with the safe conduct of a flight.
Serious injury. An injury which is sustained by a person in an accident and which:
a)

requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within seven days from the date the injury was
received; or

b) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes or nose); or
c)

involves lacerations which cause severe haemorrhage, nerve, muscle or tendon damage; or

d) involves injury to any internal organ; or

e)

involves second or third degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 per cent of the body surface; or

f)

involves verified exposure to infectious substances or injurious radiation.

State of Origin. The State in the territory of which the consignment was first loaded on an aircraft.
State of the Operator. The State in which the operators principal place of business is located or, if there is no such place of
business, the operators permanent residence.
Technical Instructions. The Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284), approved
and issued periodically in accordance with the procedure established by the ICAO Council.
UN number. The four-digit number assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous
Goods to identify a substance or a particular group of substances.
Unit load device. Any type of freight container, aircraft container, aircraft pallet with a net, or aircraft pallet with a net over an
igloo.
Note. An overpack is not included in this definition.
_____________________
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1-2

CHAPTER 2.

2.1
2.1.1
aircraft.

APPLICABILITY

General applicability

The Standards and Recommended Practices of this Annex shall be applicable to all international operations of civil

2.1.2 Where specifically provided for in the Technical Instructions, the States concerned may grant an approval provided
that in such instances an overall level of safety in transport which is equivalent to the level of safety provided for in the
Technical Instructions is achieved.
2.1.3 In instances:
a)

of extreme urgency; or

b) when other forms of transport are inappropriate; or

c)

when full compliance with the prescribed requirements is contrary to the public interest,

the States concerned may grant an exemption from the provisions of the Technical Instructions provided that in such instances
every effort shall be made to achieve an overall level of safety in transport which is equivalent to the level of safety provided for
in the Technical Instructions.
2.1.4 For the State of Overflight, if none of the criteria for granting an exemption are relevant, an exemption may be
granted based solely on whether it is believed that an equivalent level of safety in air transport has been achieved.
Note 1. For the purpose of approvals, States concerned are the States of Origin and the Operator, unless otherwise
specified in the Technical Instructions.
Note 2. For the purpose of exemptions, States concerned are the States of Origin, Operator, Transit, Overflight and
Destination.
Note 3. Guidance for the processing of exemptions, including examples of extreme urgency, may be found in the
Supplement to the Technical Instructions (Part S-1, Chapter 1, 1.2 and 1.3).
Note 4. Refer to 4.3 for dangerous goods forbidden for transport by air under any circumstances.
Note 5. It is not intended that this Annex be interpreted as requiring an operator to transport a particular article or
substance or as preventing an operator from adopting special requirements on the transport of a particular article or
substance.
2.2 Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions
2.2.1 Each Contracting State shall take the necessary measures to achieve compliance with the detailed provisions
contained in the Technical Instructions. Each Contracting State shall also take the necessary measures to achieve compliance
with any amendment to the Technical Instructions which may be published during the specified period of applicability of an
edition of the Technical Instructions.
ANNEX 18

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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Chapter 2

2.2.2 Recommendation. Each Contracting State should inform ICAO of difficulties encountered in the application of
the Technical Instructions and of any amendments which it would be desirable to make to them.
2.2.3 Recommendation. Although an amendment to the Technical Instructions with an immediate applicability for
reasons of safety may not yet have been implemented in a Contracting State, such State should, nevertheless, facilitate the
movement of dangerous goods in its territory which are consigned from another Contracting State in accordance with that
amendment, providing the goods comply in total with the revised requirements.

2.3 Domestic civil aircraft operations

Recommendation. In the interests of safety and of minimizing interruptions to the international transport of dangerous
goods, Contracting States should also take the necessary measures to achieve compliance with the Annex and the Technical
Instructions for domestic civil aircraft operations.

2.4

Exceptions

2.4.1 Articles and substances which would otherwise be classed as dangerous goods but which are required to be aboard
the aircraft in accordance with the pertinent airworthiness requirements and operating regulations, or for those specialized
purposes identified in the Technical Instructions, shall be excepted from the provisions of this Annex.
2.4.2 Where articles and substances intended as replacements for those described in 2.4.1 or which have been removed
for replacement are carried on an aircraft, they shall be transported in accordance with the provisions of this Annex except as
permitted in the Technical Instructions.
2.4.3 Specific articles and substances carried by passengers or crew members shall be excepted from the provisions of
this Annex to the extent specified in the Technical Instructions.

2.5 Notification of variations from the Technical Instructions

2.5.1 Where a Contracting State adopts different provisions from those specified in the Technical Instructions, it shall
notify ICAO promptly of such State variations for publication in the Technical Instructions.
Note. Contracting States are expected to notify a difference to the provisions of 2.2.1 under Article 38 of the Convention
only if they are unable to accept the binding nature of the Technical Instructions. Where States have adopted different
provisions from those specified in the Technical Instructions, they are expected to be reported only under the provisions of 2.5.
2.5.2 Recommendation. The State of the Operator should take the necessary measures to ensure that when an
operator adopts more restrictive requirements than those specified in the Technical Instructions, the notification of such
operator variations is made to ICAO for publication in the Technical Instructions.

2.6

Surface transport

Recommendation. States should make provisions to enable dangerous goods intended for air transport and prepared in
accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions to be accepted for surface transport to or from aerodromes.

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Chapter 2

Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

2.7 National authority

Each Contracting State shall designate and specify to ICAO an appropriate authority within its administration to be responsible
for ensuring compliance with this Annex.

_____________________

2-3

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CHAPTER 3.

CLASSIFICATION

The classification of an article or substance shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Technical Instructions.
Note. The detailed definitions of the classes of dangerous goods are contained in the Technical Instructions. These
classes identify the potential risks associated with the transport of dangerous goods by air and are those recommended by the
United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

_____________________

ANNEX 18

3-1

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CHAPTER 4. LIMITATION ON THE TRANSPORT OF

DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR

4.1 Dangerous goods permitted for transport by air

The transport of dangerous goods by air shall be forbidden except as established in this Annex and the detailed specifications
and procedures provided in the Technical Instructions.

4.2 Dangerous goods forbidden for transport by air unless exempted

The dangerous goods described hereunder shall be forbidden on aircraft unless exempted by the States concerned under the
provisions of 2.1 or unless the provisions of the Technical Instructions indicate they may be transported under an approval
granted by the State of Origin:
a)

dangerous goods that are identified in the Technical Instructions as being forbidden for transport in normal
circumstances; and

b) infected live animals.

4.3 Dangerous goods forbidden for transport by air under any circumstances
Articles and substances that are specifically identified by name or by generic description in the Technical Instructions as being
forbidden for transport by air under any circumstances shall not be carried on any aircraft.

_____________________

ANNEX 18

4-1

17/11/11

CHAPTER 5.

PACKING

5.1 General requirements

Dangerous goods shall be packed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and as provided for in the Technical
Instructions.

5.2

Packagings

5.2.1 Packagings used for the transport of dangerous goods by air shall be of good quality and shall be constructed and
securely closed so as to prevent leakage which might be caused in normal conditions of transport, by changes in temperature,
humidity or pressure, or by vibration.
5.2.2 Packagings shall be suitable for the contents. Packagings in direct contact with dangerous goods shall be resistant to
any chemical or other action of such goods.
5.2.3 Packagings shall meet the material and construction specifications in the Technical Instructions.
5.2.4

Packagings shall be tested in accordance with the provisions of the Technical Instructions.

5.2.5 Packagings for which retention of a liquid is a basic function, shall be capable of withstanding, without leaking, the
pressure stated in the Technical Instructions.
5.2.6 Inner packagings shall be so packed, secured or cushioned as to prevent their breakage or leakage and to control
their movement within the outer packaging(s) during normal conditions of air transport. Cushioning and absorbent materials
shall not react dangerously with the contents of the packagings.
5.2.7 No packaging shall be reused until it has been inspected and found free from corrosion or other damage. Where a
packaging is reused, all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent contamination of subsequent contents.
5.2.8 If, because of the nature of their former contents, uncleaned empty packagings may present a hazard, they shall be
tightly closed and treated according to the hazard they constitute.
5.2.9 No harmful quantity of a dangerous substance shall adhere to the outside of packages.

_____________________

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CHAPTER 6.

LABELLING AND MARKING

6.1

Labels

Unless otherwise provided for in the Technical Instructions, each package of dangerous goods shall be labelled with the
appropriate labels and in accordance with the provisions set forth in those Instructions.

6.2 Markings
6.2.1 Unless otherwise provided for in the Technical Instructions, each package of dangerous goods shall be marked with
the proper shipping name of its contents and, when assigned, the UN number and such other markings as may be specified in
those Instructions.
6.2.2 Specification markings on packagings. Unless otherwise provided for in the Technical Instructions, each packaging
manufactured to a specification contained in those Instructions shall be so marked in accordance with the appropriate
provisions of those Instructions and no packaging shall be marked with a packaging specification marking unless it meets the
appropriate packaging specification contained in those Instructions.

6.3 Languages to be used for markings

Recommendation. In addition to the languages required by the State of Origin and pending the development and
adoption of a more suitable form of expression for universal use, English should be used for the markings related to dangerous
goods.

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CHAPTER 7. SHIPPERS RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 General requirements

Before a person offers any package or overpack of dangerous goods for transport by air, that person shall ensure that the
dangerous goods are not forbidden for transport by air and are properly classified, packed, marked, labelled and accompanied
by a properly executed dangerous goods transport document, as specified in this Annex and the Technical Instructions.

7.2 Dangerous goods transport document

7.2.1 Unless otherwise provided for in the Technical Instructions, the person who offers dangerous goods for transport
by air shall complete, sign and provide to the operator a dangerous goods transport document, which shall contain the
information required by those Instructions.
7.2.2 The transport document shall bear a declaration signed by the person who offers dangerous goods for transport
indicating that the dangerous goods are fully and accurately described by their proper shipping names and that they are
classified, packed, marked, labelled, and in proper condition for transport by air in accordance with the relevant regulations.

7.3

Languages to be used

Recommendation. In addition to the languages which may be required by the State of Origin and pending the
development and adoption of a more suitable form of expression for universal use, English should be used for the dangerous
goods transport document.

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CHAPTER 8.

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITIES

8.1 Acceptance for transport

An operator shall not accept dangerous goods for transport by air:
a)

unless the dangerous goods are accompanied by a completed dangerous goods transport document, except where the
Technical Instructions indicate that such a document is not required; and

b) until the package, overpack or freight container containing the dangerous goods has been inspected in accordance with
the acceptance procedures contained in the Technical Instructions.
Note 1. See Chapter 12 concerning the reporting of dangerous goods accidents and incidents.
Note 2. Special provisions relating to the acceptance of overpacks are contained in the Technical Instructions.

8.2 Acceptance checklist

An operator shall develop and use an acceptance checklist as an aid to compliance with the provisions of 8.1.

8.3

Loading and stowage

Packages and overpacks containing dangerous goods and freight containers containing radioactive materials shall be loaded
and stowed on an aircraft in accordance with the provisions of the Technical Instructions.

8.4

Inspection for damage or leakage

8.4.1 Packages and overpacks containing dangerous goods and freight containers containing radioactive materials shall
be inspected for evidence of leakage or damage before loading on an aircraft or into a unit load device. Leaking or damaged
packages, overpacks or freight containers shall not be loaded on an aircraft.
8.4.2 A unit load device shall not be loaded aboard an aircraft unless the device has been inspected and found free from
any evidence of leakage from, or damage to, any dangerous goods contained therein.
8.4.3 Where any package of dangerous goods loaded on an aircraft appears to be damaged or leaking, the operator shall
remove such package from the aircraft, or arrange for its removal by an appropriate authority or organization, and thereafter
shall ensure that the remainder of the consignment is in a proper condition for transport by air and that no other package has
been contaminated.
8.4.4 Packages or overpacks containing dangerous goods and freight containers containing radioactive materials shall be
inspected for signs of damage or leakage upon unloading from the aircraft or unit load device. If evidence of damage or leakage
is found, the area where the dangerous goods or unit load device were stowed on the aircraft shall be inspected for damage or
contamination.
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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

8.5

Chapter 8

Loading restrictions in passenger cabin or on flight deck

Dangerous goods shall not be carried in an aircraft cabin occupied by passengers or on the flight deck of an aircraft, except in
circumstances permitted by the provisions of the Technical Instructions.

8.6 Removal of contamination

8.6.1 Any hazardous contamination found on an aircraft as a result of leakage or damage to dangerous goods shall be
removed without delay.
8.6.2 An aircraft which has been contaminated by radioactive materials shall immediately be taken out of service and not
returned to service until the radiation level at any accessible surface and the non-fixed contamination are not more than the
values specified in the Technical Instructions.

8.7

Separation and segregation

8.7.1 Packages containing dangerous goods which might react dangerously one with another shall not be stowed on an
aircraft next to each other or in a position that would allow interaction between them in the event of leakage.
8.7.2 Packages of toxic and infectious substances shall be stowed on an aircraft in accordance with the provisions of the
Technical Instructions.
8.7.3 Packages of radioactive materials shall be stowed on an aircraft so that they are separated from persons, live
animals and undeveloped film, in accordance with the provisions in the Technical Instructions.

8.8

Securing of dangerous goods cargo loads

When dangerous goods subject to the provisions contained herein are loaded in an aircraft, the operator shall protect the
dangerous goods from being damaged, and shall secure such goods in the aircraft in such a manner that will prevent any
movement in flight which would change the orientation of the packages. For packages containing radioactive materials, the
securing shall be adequate to ensure that the separation requirements of 8.7.3 are met at all times.

8.9

Loading on cargo aircraft

Packages of dangerous goods bearing the Cargo aircraft only label shall be loaded in accordance with the provisions in the
Technical Instructions.

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CHAPTER 9.

PROVISION OF INFORMATION

9.1

Information to pilot-in-command

The operator of an aircraft in which dangerous goods are to be carried shall provide the pilot-in-command as early as
practicable before departure of the aircraft with written information as specified in the Technical Instructions.

9.2 Information and instructions to flight crew members

The operator shall provide such information in the Operations Manual as will enable the flight crew to carry out its
responsibilities with regard to the transport of dangerous goods and shall provide instructions as to the action to be taken in the
event of emergencies arising involving dangerous goods.

9.3

Information to passengers

Each Contracting State shall ensure that information is promulgated in such a manner that passengers are warned as to the types
of dangerous goods which they are forbidden from transporting aboard an aircraft as provided for in the Technical Instructions.

9.4

Information to other persons

Operators, shippers or other organizations involved in the transport of dangerous goods by air shall provide such information to
their personnel as will enable them to carry out their responsibilities with regard to the transport of dangerous goods and shall
provide instructions as to the action to be taken in the event of emergencies arising involving dangerous goods.

9.5

Information from pilot-in-command to aerodrome authorities

If an in-flight emergency occurs, the pilot-in-command shall, as soon as the situation permits, inform the appropriate air traffic
services unit, for the information of aerodrome authorities, of any dangerous goods on board the aircraft, as provided for in the
Technical Instructions.

9.6

Information in the event of an aircraft accident or incident

9.6.1 In the event of:

a)

an aircraft accident; or

b) a serious incident where dangerous goods carried as cargo may be involved,

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Annex 18 The Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Chapter 9

the operator of the aircraft carrying dangerous goods as cargo shall provide information, without delay, to emergency services
responding to the accident or serious incident about the dangerous goods on board, as shown on the written information to the
pilot-in-command. As soon as possible, the operator shall also provide this information to the appropriate authorities of the
State of the Operator and the State in which the accident or serious incident occurred.
9.6.2 In the event of an aircraft incident, the operator of an aircraft carrying dangerous goods as cargo shall, if requested
to do so, provide information without delay to emergency services responding to the incident and to the appropriate authority of
the State in which the incident occurred, about the dangerous goods on board, as shown on the written information to the
pilot-in-command.
Note. The terms accident, serious incident and incident are as defined in Annex 13.

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CHAPTER 10. ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES

Dangerous goods training programmes shall be established and updated as provided for in the Technical Instructions.

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CHAPTER 11. COMPLIANCE

11.1 Inspection systems

Each Contracting State shall establish inspection, surveillance and enforcement procedures with a view to achieving
compliance with its dangerous goods regulations.
Note. It is envisaged that these procedures would include provisions for the inspection of both documents and cargo and
operators practices as well as providing a method for the investigation of alleged violations (see 11.3).

11.2 Cooperation between States

Recommendation. Each Contracting State should participate in cooperative efforts with other States concerning
violations of dangerous goods regulations, with the aim of eliminating such violations. Cooperative efforts could include
coordination of investigations and enforcement actions; exchanging information on a regulated partys compliance history;
joint inspections and other technical liaisons, exchange of technical staff, and joint meetings and conferences. Appropriate
information that could be exchanged include safety alerts, bulletins or dangerous goods advisories; proposed and completed
regulatory actions; incident reports; documentary and other evidence developed in the investigation of incidents; proposed and
final enforcement actions; and educational/outreach materials suitable for public dissemination.

11.3

Penalties

11.3.1 Each Contracting State shall take such measures as it may deem appropriate to achieve compliance with its
dangerous goods regulations including the prescription of appropriate penalties for violations.
11.3.2 Recommendation. Each Contracting State should take appropriate action to achieve compliance with its
dangerous goods regulations, including the prescription of appropriate penalties for violations, when information about a
violation is received from another Contracting State, such as when a consignment of dangerous goods is found not to comply
with the requirements of the Technical Instructions on arrival in a Contracting State and that State reports the matter to the
State of Origin.

11.4 Dangerous goods by mail

Recommendation. Each Contracting State should establish procedures with a view to controlling the introduction of
dangerous goods into air transport through its postal services.
Note. International procedures for controlling the introduction of dangerous goods into air transport through the postal
services have been established by the Universal Postal Union.

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CHAPTER 12. DANGEROUS GOODS ACCIDENT

AND INCIDENT REPORTING

12.1 With the aim of preventing the recurrence of dangerous goods accidents and incidents, each Contracting State shall
establish procedures for investigating and compiling information concerning such accidents and incidents which occur in its
territory and which involve the transport of dangerous goods originating in or destined for another State. Reports on such
accidents and incidents shall be made in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Technical Instructions.
12.2 Recommendation. With the aim of preventing the recurrence of dangerous goods accidents and incidents, each
Contracting State should establish procedures for investigating and compiling information concerning such accidents and
incidents which occur in its territory other than those described in 12.1. Reports on such accidents and incidents should be
made in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Technical Instructions.
12.3 With the aim of preventing the recurrence of instances of undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods in cargo, each
Contracting State shall establish procedures for investigating and compiling information concerning such occurrences which
occur in its territory and which involve the transport of dangerous goods originating in or destined for another State. Reports on
such instances shall be made in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Technical Instructions.
12.4 Recommendation. With the aim of preventing the recurrence of instances of undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods in cargo, each Contracting State should establish procedures for investigating and compiling information concerning such occurrences which occur in its territory other than those described in 12.3. Reports on such instances should be
made in accordance with the detailed provisions of the Technical Instructions.

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CHAPTER 13. DANGEROUS GOODS SECURITY PROVISIONS

Each Contracting State shall establish dangerous goods security measures, applicable to shippers, operators and other
individuals engaged in the transport of dangerous goods by air, to be taken to minimize theft or misuse of dangerous goods that
may endanger persons, property or the environment. These measures should be commensurate with security provisions
specified in other Annexes and the Technical Instructions.

END

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