Last updated : August 04, 2025 4:02 pm
Our goal is to establish a dedicated Dangerous Goods (DG) handling warehouse that will serve as a central hub for the long-term storage of dangerous goods
What is the core mission of Dangerous Goods Management India (DGMI) in ensuring safety and compliance in the transportation of hazardous materials?
Our approach is centered on delivering defect-free services while maintaining competitive pricing, positioning ourselves as the most reliable service provider in the hazardous goods sector. We take a proactive, people-driven approach to customer service, with a team that is fully dedicated to ensuring quality and efficiency in every aspect of our operations.
We aim to foster collaboration to promote trade and act as trusted advisors, not just to our customers and partners, but also to regulatory authorities. Our expansion strategy is carefully managed to ensure our commitment to providing quality services, while ensuring seamless continuity for our clients.
Ultimately, we believe that success is not something we take for granted; it must be earned. We maintain success through constant dedication, innovation, and continuous investment in both our people and systems to ensure we are always improving and meeting the evolving needs of the industry.
India’s chemical sector is a significant contributor to GDP. How does DGMI address the unique risks associated with transporting dangerous goods in this market?
We take a thoughtful and consultative approach to the market, rather than employing a blind, aggressive sales strategy. Initially, our focus was solely on providing compliance services—such as packing, marking, labeling, and preparing Dangerous Goods declarations—catering to a critical need within the DG transportation sector. This was not only our core competency but also a significant pain point for many businesses in the industry. To ensure the highest level of service, we made it a priority to thoroughly train every member of our team before they were entrusted with handling shipments. Establishing our own DG Training Institute has proven to be a significant advantage. However, we also identified considerable gaps in the industry's understanding of regulatory requirements. To address this, we began collaborating with industry bodies like Indian Chemical Council (ICC) and CHEMEXCIL hosting webinars throughout the year to raise awareness about various aspects of Dangerous Goods transportation. Through these efforts, we recognized that promoting understanding of the regulations is just as essential as ordering compliance services.
DGMI offers training in dangerous goods regulations. How do you ensure your programs remain cutting-edge and relevant to industry needs?
Our biggest advantage in training is the hands-on experience our instructors bring. Together, they have over 50 years of experience in air cargo, logistics, and the chemical industry. Our training programs strictly follow regulatory requirements. To enhance it further, we have introduced innovations like real-time quizzes through Mentimeter to engage participants during sessions. Currently, we are developing a learning management system that combines classroom training with online microlearning modules, enhancing knowledge retention. We also intend to use this system to track participants' learning progress, as DG training is a continuous journey—recurrent training is required every two years.
How do you navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks like the IMDG Code and ICAO TI, and what role does DGMI play in shaping industry standards?
IMDG and ICAO Technical Instructions are not just regulatory frameworks. They represent the global standard for the safe transportation of dangerous goods. If universally followed, they ensure that the fundamental objective of safety in DG transport is fully achieved.
At DGM India, we actively promote awareness and adherence to these regulations through various initiatives. We conduct free public webinars in collaboration with industry bodies, particularly CHEMEXCIL, to educate stakeholders across the supply chain. Additionally, I regularly participate as a speaker at national and international conferences to advocate for best practices and compliance in DG handling. Our advertisements and outreach efforts further reinforce the importance of regulatory compliance and the adoption of robust safety management principles when dealing with hazardous materials. Raising awareness and building a safety-first mindset is a continuous effort we are deeply committed to.
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“We began collaborating with industry bodies like ICC and CHEMEXCIL, hosting webinars throughout the year to raise awareness about various aspects of Dangerous Goods transportation…” |
With safety being paramount, what measures does DGMI take to mitigate risks during the transportation of hazardous materials by air and sea?
At DGMI, our core philosophy for mitigating risk is rooted in one word: packaging. Packaging is the first and most critical line of defense. All modal regulations emphasize the use of standard UN specification-tested packaging for the safe transport of dangerous goods. We not only ensure that we use the correct packaging ourselves, but we also hold our customers to the same standard. A properly packaged shipment can be the key difference between a routine transit and a potential safety incident.
Beyond packaging, we strictly enforce the application of accurate hazard markings and labelling on all packages and containers, as required by regulation. The final piece of the puzzle is documentation— specifically, the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. We believe in zero compromise when it comes to compliance. In DG transportation, there are no half measures—you're either fully compliant or you're not. And we ensure that every shipment we handle meets the full compliance requirements, every single time.
Piracy and security threats are concerns in global shipping. How do you address these risks, particularly in the Indian context? Dangerous goods transportation is highly regulated. What are the biggest challenges in ensuring compliance with national and international standards in India?
The biggest challenge we face in ensuring compliance is the quality and consistency of trained personnel at the acceptance check points, particularly in air cargo complexes. Earlier, this function was handled by airline staff who were thoroughly trained in Dangerous Goods regulations. However, with the outsourcing of cargo handling to third-party terminal operators, we now see inconsistent interpretations of the rules. At times, partially trained staff, when questioned or corrected on specific regulatory points, tend to respond defensively—often rejecting shipments on questionable grounds thereafter.
Let me illustrate with an example: In the case of radioactive materials, packages weighing over 50 kg are required to display the "permissible gross mass." This figure represents the maximum allowable total weight (including both the packaging and the radioactive content) that the package has been tested and approved for, as per IAEA and IATA DGR standards. If a package is marked with a permissible gross mass of 190 kg, that simply means it must not exceed 190 kg— not that it must weigh exactly 190 kg. Yet, we’ve had instances where staff have rejected shipments solely because the actual weight was less than the permissible limit—a clear misunderstanding of the regulation.
A similar challenge exists in ocean freight. The Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, mandated by the IMDG Code, has a specified format and sequence that must be followed. It clearly outlines what information is required—and what is not. For example, details about inner packaging in combination packs are often unnecessary. Despite this, some shipping lines continue to insist on outdated formats and irrelevant data, which creates confusion among logistics staff who have been trained to follow the current, correct procedures. So, while we invest significant effort in training people to understand and apply the right standards, they often find themselves caught between compliance and legacy expectations from other stakeholders.
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“The biggest challenge we face in ensuring compliance is the quality and consistency of trained personnel at the acceptance check points, particularly in air cargo complexes…” |
How is DGMI preparing for emerging trends such as sustainability and digitalization in logistics and dangerous goods?
We are actively working towards incorporating sustainable materials into our packaging operations. However, the cost factor remains a significant challenge, as many customers are still reluctant to pay a premium for environmentally friendly alternatives. That said, we’ve made strong progress in digitization. Our IT systems are equipped to generate digital shipper’s declarations, which we can transmit directly to airlines and shipping lines—streamlining documentation and reducing paper use. Additionally, one of our top priorities is to ensure that all packages are handled in a way that prevents any damage or leakage of dangerous goods. I’m proud to say we have a strong track record on that front, with minimal incidents over the years.
Where do you see DGMI in the next five years, especially with the growing demand for safe hazardous materials transportation?
Our goal is to establish a dedicated DG handling warehouse that will serve as a central hub for the long-term storage of dangerous goods, as well as for managing DG cargo related to ocean freight EXIM operations. We are actively exploring leasing opportunities for such a facility, either as a standalone venture or through strategic partnerships with interested parties.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in dangerous goods management or logistics in India?
Handling, storing, and transporting dangerous goods—be it chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials—demands precision, a deep sense of responsibility, and strict compliance. It’s a high-stakes field where safety and environmental impact are always on the line. To build a career in this space, mastering regulatory compliance is essential, and that begins with pursuing the right certifications. Courses like the IATA DGR and IMDG Code are Foundational; they’re not one-time qualifications but continuing education programs that keep you updated with evolving global standards. If you're looking to deepen your expertise, consider specialized international certifications offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) in the US. Programs such as the Certified Professional in Dangerous Goods Management or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager/Practitioner carry strong global recognition. Even broader safety management certifications like NEBOSH, while challenging, open doors to career paths in industrial and environmental safety.
That said, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. Work with a couple of solid companies in the chemical or logistics sectors and gain ground-up exposure to every facet of the job. Learn the ropes thoroughly before thinking of your next move. This is a field that’s constantly evolving and gaining relevance worldwide. In fact, it won’t be long before every organization involved in DG transport, especially by road, is required to have a dedicated safety advisor on board. While this mandate currently applies in Europe under the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), India is a signatory to the IRU and will likely adopt similar norms soon. However, ADR-certified courses are currently only offered in Europe, making them a valuable addition for those thinking long-term.