dangerous goods

International standard term for goods covered under the 'UN Recommendations On The Transport Of Dangerous Goods' (see UN Recommendations). Definition of 'dangerous goods' covers articles or materials capable of posing significant risk to people, health, property, or environment when transported in quantity. It includes items of common use, such as aerosol cans, perfumes, and paints. Although most transport regulations are now closely aligned with the UN Recommendations, the regulations for air, road, rail, and sea transport are not identical. Major international agreements ruling transportation of dangerous goods include IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions, International Carriage Of Dangerous Goods By Road, and International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. See also dangerous substance.