What action may the air carrier take if a dangerous goods shipment is not compliant?

• A. The shipper is required to repackage the goods themselves.
• B. The carrier must still transport the shipment regardless of compliance.
• C. The air carrier may refuse shipment.
• D. No action is taken.

Answer: (C)

Safety in air transport of dangerous goods hinges on strict compliance with packaging, labeling, and shipping documentation. When a shipment isn’t compliant, the air carrier has the authority—and the obligation—to refuse transport to prevent a potential incident. This means the freight cannot be loaded or moved until it’s brought into compliance, which often involves correcting packaging and labeling, updating quantity and packaging instructions, or re-supplying proper shipping papers, with the shipment possibly returned to the shipper until conformity is achieved. The carrier isn’t required to repackage on the shipper’s behalf, and transporting a non-compliant shipment is not permitted, nor is doing nothing. Refusal protects the flight, crew, and public from risk.