How to Ship Adhesives and Sealants in New Zealand
If you're trying to send adhesives or sealants through a courier or freight company and have been told the product may be dangerous goods, you're not alone.
At DG Solutions, we regularly receive enquiries from businesses shipping construction adhesives, automotive sealants, industrial bonding agents and specialty chemical products throughout New Zealand and internationally.
Many businesses are surprised to learn that some adhesives and sealants are regulated for transport due to the flammable solvents they contain.
Why Are Adhesives Classified as Dangerous Goods?
Many adhesive products contain flammable liquids that can present a fire risk during transport.
A common example is UN1133 Adhesives, which is often classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid.
The exact classification depends on the product formulation, which is why the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the first thing we review for clients.
Common Issues We See
When customers contact us about shipping adhesives, the most common problems are:
- Courier companies refusing the shipment
- Incorrect packaging being used
- Missing dangerous goods labels
- No Dangerous Goods Declaration available
- Uncertainty about whether the product is dangerous goods at all
In many cases, these issues can be resolved quickly once the product classification has been confirmed.
Can Adhesives Be Sent by Courier?
The answer is often yes, but it depends on the product and courier network.
Some adhesives can move under Limited Quantity provisions, while others require full dangerous goods compliance.
Before booking freight, we recommend confirming:
- The UN Number
- Dangerous Goods Class
- Packing Group
- Quantity per package
- Packaging requirements
How DG Solutions Can Help
Rather than spending hours trying to interpret dangerous goods regulations, many businesses simply send us their SDS for review.
Our team can assist with:
- Dangerous Goods classification reviews
- Dangerous Goods Declarations
- UN Approved packaging
- Marking and labelling requirements
- Courier and freight approvals
- Domestic and international dangerous goods shipping
- Dangerous goods training for staff
Whether you're shipping a few cartridges of sealant or regular pallets of industrial adhesives, we can help ensure your shipment meets transport requirements.
Shipping Adhesives Overseas
Exporting adhesives can introduce additional requirements depending on whether the goods are travelling sea or air.
Air freight shipments are often the most restrictive, with quantity limits and packaging requirements applying under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Sea freight shipments must comply with IMDG requirements
Need Help Shipping Adhesives or Sealants?
If you're unsure whether your adhesive or sealant is classified as dangerous goods, DG Solutions can help.
Simply send us the SDS and we can review the product, explain the transport requirements, and help arrange compliant freight anywhere in New Zealand or internationally.