This kind of items cannot be transported by air

Byzoe

Air transportation, as an important mode of international transport, has rules and restrictions that are often more complex and stringent than those of traditional transport methods. Air transport restrictions cover a wide range of items, from flammable and explosive hazardous materials to contraband, and include sensitive goods and specific restricted items under certain conditions. Each restriction has a scientifically reasonable basis, aimed at ensuring aviation safety, public safety, personnel health, and environmental safety.

Therefore, shippers and consignees must thoroughly understand and strictly adhere to these restrictions when planning transportation schemes to avoid cargo delays, losses, fines, or even legal disputes resulting from non-compliant transportation.

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⭐Hazardous Material Category⭐

1. Flammable and Explosive Materials

Flammable and explosive materials, during transportation, can self-ignite, leak, or explode due to changes in external conditions such as temperature, pressure, and vibrations. This not only can damage the cargo itself but also pose a serious threat to the aircraft structure, the safety of the crew, and the lives of passengers. Therefore, such items are strictly prohibited or restricted from being transported by air.

Gasoline: Highly flammable and volatile. Once leaked and exposed to a fire source, it can easily cause a fire or even an explosion.
Diesel: Also flammable, though it has a higher flash point. Under specific conditions, it can still burn rapidly.
Kerosene: Widely used as aviation fuel, but due to its flammability, it must be strictly controlled during transportation.
Alcohol: Especially high-concentration alcohol, which is highly volatile and flammable, making it a common flammable liquid.
Gunpowder and Detonators: Classified as explosives, they possess extremely high explosive power and pose a significant threat to aviation safety.

2. Toxic Substances

During transportation, if toxic substances leak or break, their toxic components can enter the human body or the environment through air, water, or the food chain, leading to poisoning, diseases, or even death. Additionally, long-term exposure to toxic substances can cause chronic health issues, such as liver and kidney damage, and nervous system diseases.

Pesticides: Contain various toxic chemical components, such as organophosphates and carbamates, which pose potential hazards to humans and the environment.
Acaricides: These are also toxic chemicals used to kill mites, but their residues can cause long-term health effects on humans.

3. Corrosive and Radioactive Substances

3a. Corrosive Substances
During transportation, if corrosive substances are improperly packaged or leak, they can quickly corrode packaging materials, aircraft structures, and even the cargo itself. This can lead to economic loss and pose a threat to the safety of the crew and passengers. Additionally, corrosive substances can cause long-term environmental pollution.

Acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid): Have strong corrosive properties that can corrode metals, skin, and other materials.
Alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide): Also highly corrosive; when they react with acids, they can produce significant heat and corrosive gases.
Mercury: Though liquid at room temperature, mercury is highly toxic and corrosive, posing great risks to human health and the environment.

3b. Radioactive Substances
If protective measures are inadequate or if leaks occur during air transport, the radiation from these substances can cause widespread and lasting harm to humans and the environment. Moreover, radioactive substances can interfere with the aircraft’s electronic equipment, affecting flight safety.

Radioactive Isotopes and Radioactive Waste: These materials release radiation during their decay process, damaging human cells and increasing the risk of cancer.

⭐Prohibited and Sensitive Commodity Categories⭐

1. Prohibited Items

Prohibited items are those explicitly banned by laws and regulations from being transported due to their potential risks to public safety, health, or moral standards. Here are some common examples of prohibited items:

Drugs: Including but not limited to cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine. These substances are highly addictive and harmful, posing serious threats to individual health and societal stability.
Firearms, Ammunition, and Weapon Accessories: These items have direct lethal potential, and their illegal possession or use can severely threaten public safety.
Explosives: Beyond previously mentioned gunpowder and detonators, this category includes homemade explosive devices and fireworks. They can release massive energy instantly, causing destruction and casualties.
Illegal Wildlife and Products: Items such as ivory, rhino horns, and rare bird feathers. The illegal trade of these products disrupts ecological balance and fuels criminal activities.

Violating laws and regulations regarding the transportation of prohibited items will result in severe legal consequences, including fines, detention, and even criminal prosecution. Additionally, transporting prohibited items can cause immeasurable damage to public safety, endangering the lives and property of innocent individuals.

2. Sensitive Goods

Sensitive goods are those that require special attention or measures during transportation due to their unique characteristics or the risks posed by external conditions. Here are some examples of sensitive goods:

Biological Products: Items such as serum, plasma, and their derivatives may contain live microorganisms or viruses. These products need strict control over temperature, humidity, and other conditions during transportation to prevent biological safety risks. If leaked or mishandled, they could cause disease outbreaks or ecological disasters.
Perishable Goods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, seafood, etc., are prone to spoilage during transportation. This not only affects the quality of the goods but can also contaminate the transport vehicles and the environment. Therefore, measures such as refrigeration and preservation are necessary to ensure the safe arrival of these goods.
High-Theft-Risk Items: High-value items like jewelry and gold are attractive targets for theft due to their high value. Enhanced security measures, such as special packaging and dedicated escorts, are needed during air transport to minimize security risks. However, despite these measures, air transport for such items is generally not recommended, as their loss or theft can result in significant financial loss for the owner.

⭐Specifically Restricted Items⭐

1. Magnetic Items

Strong Magnetic Items (e.g., Magnets and Large Electric Motors): These items are strictly regulated in air transport because they can interfere with the aircraft’s navigation systems and electronic equipment, compromising flight safety. Airlines typically require these items to undergo special treatment or provide detailed magnetic inspection reports before transportation.
Low Magnetic Items (e.g., Bluetooth Earphones, Bluetooth Speakers): While these also contain magnetic materials, their magnetic field is usually weak and poses negligible impact on aviation equipment. As long as they meet the airline’s magnetic inspection requirements, these items can be transported by air.

2. Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals are strictly regulated during air transport because different countries and regions have various laws and regulations regarding the import and use of medications. Controlled substances such as toxic drugs and psychotropic medications require approval from relevant government authorities and adherence to specific safety regulations for transportation. Even regular medications need the necessary documentation and compliance with the airline’s regulations during air transport.

3. Electronic Products

Electronic Products with Lithium Batteries (e.g., Phones, Laptops, Tablets): Lithium batteries pose potential fire and explosion risks, necessitating special packaging and labeling for air transport. These items must be placed in fireproof and short-circuit-proof packaging and clearly marked with warning labels. Additionally, many airlines have specific limits on the number and capacity of lithium batteries that can be carried.

⭐Other Product Notes⭐

1. Fragile and Valuable Items

Ceramics, Glassware, Jewelry, and Valuable Artifacts: While these items can be transported by air, their fragile nature and high value make them risky to ship. Airlines typically advise against sending such items unless sufficient protective measures are provided and the risks are acknowledged. If transportation is necessary, it’s recommended to opt for professional insurance services to mitigate potential financial losses.

2. Food Products

Sealed Food Items: Packaged and sealed products like cured meats, sausages, and snacks can generally be transported by air, provided they comply with airline regulations and the destination country’s laws. However, it’s important to note that different countries and regions have various restrictions and regulations regarding food imports. Customers should familiarize themselves with and adhere to these regulations to avoid food safety issues.

3. Special Packaging and Labeling

Packaging: All air cargo must meet aviation transport safety standards with appropriate packaging. Packaging should protect the cargo from damage and contamination while adhering to the airline’s size and weight limitations.
Labeling: Labels must be clear and include information such as the name of the cargo, quantity, weight, dimensions, destination, and any special instructions. Proper packaging and labeling ensure the safe and smooth delivery of goods during transportation.
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