What is the role of the Air Waybill in dangerous goods shipments?

• A. It is the transport document and contract of carriage; the Shipper's Declaration provides DG-specific certification, but the AWB is not the DG declaration
• B. It is the DG declaration that certifies compliance
• C. It is optional for dangerous goods shipments
• D. It only records the consignee's contact information

Answer: (B)

The Air Waybill serves as the transport document and contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline. It records essential shipment details—who is shipping, who will receive it, origin and destination, routing, flight information, and the quantity and description of the goods—and acts as evidence of the agreed terms for moving the cargo.

For dangerous goods, the certification of compliance with DG rules is provided by a separate document, the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. This declaration confirms that the goods have been properly classified, packaged, labeled, documented, and handled in accordance with applicable regulations. The Air Waybill accompanies the shipment but does not itself certify DG compliance. It is not optional and it conveys transport obligations and data beyond just the consignee’s contact information.