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Shipping Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials

Shipping Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials

Due to the strict and complex regulations of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) UGA ESD Hazardous Materials provides assistance to all UGA associated personnel involved in the shipment of hazardous materials and dangerous goods. Anyone who knowingly violates any of the federal hazardous material transportation laws can be fined, imprisoned, or both.

The University of Georgia has trained personnel to assist in all activities involving the shipping of dangerous goods and hazardous materials. For assistance in shipping any hazardous materials contact the ESD Hazardous Materials Program at (706) 542-5801 or hazmat@uga.edu. For assistance in shipping any dangerous goods involving biological agents or infectious substances contact the Office of Biosafety at (706) 542-2697. Please contact ESD or Biosafety at least one full week prior to your intended ship date.

Below are some common examples of items that meet the classification of dangerous or hazardous. This is not an all-inclusive list.

  • Dry ice
  • Lab chemicals
  • Lab stock solutions
  • Lab samples (such as those for analysis)
  • Batteries
  • Photographic chemicals and supplies
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Thermometers
  • Barometers
  • Vaccines
  • Venom
  • Some Electronic Items
  • Explosive Materials
  • Gases
  • Flammable liquids
  • Combustible liquids
  • Flammable and/or water-reactive solids
  • Oxidizers
  • Poisonous materials
  • Infectious materials
  • Radioactive materials
  • Corrosive materials
  • Marine pollutants

Shipping Items to a UGA Facility

UGA personnel traveling domestically or internationally and planning on preparing and offering a Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Materials package for shipment back to UGA are required to take an approved online Department of Transportation (DOT) training course. Please contact ESD at (706) 542-5801 or hazmat@uga.edu for additional information and assistance prior to traveling

Shipping Items from a UGA Facility

  • Provide suitable inner and outer containers for the material being shipped. Do not seal the outer package.
  • The containers must be free of any chemical contamination and tightly sealed to prevent leakage (no corks, cotton plugs, tape, parafilm, etc.). ESD personnel will inspect the contents prior to final shipment.
  • Ensure all containers are accurately labeled with exact names and exact contents (including percentages of each chemical if it is a mixture)
  • Provide the correct shipping address (typed)
  • Provide the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each item you are shipping
  • Contact ESD Hazardous Materials at (706) 542-5801 or hazmat@uga.edu at least one full week prior to your intended ship date

International Shipping Review

International shipments of dangerous goods or hazardous materials must also be reviewed by the Office of Research Security and Export Control (RSEC). RSEC’s international shipping guidance is available here. Please contact exportcontrols@uga.edu or call 706-542-5933  prior to contacting the ESD Hazardous Materials Program. ESD will confirm any international shipment they review has also been reviewed and approved by RSEC prior to assisting on the shipment.