DAF Form 7507: Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods – Shipping hazardous materials (HAZMAT) or dangerous goods by air demands strict compliance with safety regulations to prevent incidents, ensure legal transport, and avoid hefty penalties. For U.S. Air Force and Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel, DAF Form 7507 serves as the official Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods used in military air transportation contexts.
This form aligns with broader international standards like the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) while meeting Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force-specific requirements, such as those in DAFI 24-605 and related Defense Transportation Regulations (DTR). It certifies that dangerous goods are properly classified, packaged, marked, labeled, and ready for air transport.
Download the official DAF Form 7507 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/daf7507/daf7507.pdf
What Is DAF Form 7507?
DAF Form 7507 is the Department of the Air Force version of the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD). It is a critical shipping document required when preparing hazardous materials for movement on military-controlled aircraft or in coordination with commercial air carriers handling DoD cargo.
The form serves as a legal certification by the shipper that:
- The goods are fully and accurately described by the proper shipping name.
- They are classified, packaged, marked, labeled/placarded, and in proper condition for transport per applicable international and national regulations (including IATA/ICAO for air).
- All air transport requirements have been met.
It is distinct from forms like DD Form 2890 (DoD Multimodal Dangerous Goods Declaration, often used for surface modes) or DD Form 1384 (Transportation Control and Movement Document). For pure air legs on military aircraft, DAF Form 7507 (or equivalent IATA-style DGD) is typically required alongside other movement documents.
Note: This is not the same as CBP Form 7507 (General Declaration for customs, agriculture, immigration, and public health).
Who Needs DAF Form 7507?
- U.S. Air Force and DoD personnel involved in preparing, certifying, or shipping dangerous goods by air.
- Logistics, supply, and transportation units at military installations.
- Contractors or shippers handling HAZMAT for Air Force or joint DoD air movements.
- Anyone certifying shipments that will travel via military air or enter the Defense Transportation System (DTS) with an air leg.
Only trained and certified individuals (per AFMAN 24-604 or equivalent DoD HAZMAT certification courses) should complete and sign the form. Training typically includes IATA DGR knowledge adapted for military procedures.
Key Regulatory Framework (Current as of 2026)
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR): The 67th Edition (effective 2026) governs most air shipments, with updates on classification, lithium batteries, and documentation. The Shipper’s Declaration format follows IATA Section 8.
- ICAO Technical Instructions: International baseline for air dangerous goods.
- 49 CFR (U.S. DOT): For domestic segments or ground-to-air transitions.
- AFMAN 24-604 / DAFI 24-605 / DTR: Military-specific guidance for packaging, documentation, and certification on military aircraft. Military air shipments must meet AFMAN requirements, which may differ slightly from pure commercial IATA.
- Two completed and signed copies of the declaration must generally be provided to the operator (carrier).
Always verify the latest edition of IATA DGR and relevant Air Force publications on e-Publishing.af.mil, as rules update annually.
How to Fill Out DAF Form 7507? (Step-by-Step)
The form follows the standard IATA Shipper’s Declaration layout (often with red-bordered hash lines). It must be completed accurately—errors can lead to shipment rejection, delays, fines, or safety risks. Use typed entries where possible; follow any specific instructions on the form or in AF guidance.
Typical sections include:
- Shipper: Full name, address, and phone number of the shipper (the entity certifying the shipment).
- Consignee: Full name, address, and phone number of the receiver.
- Air Waybill No. / Page of Pages / Shipper’s Reference No. (optional): Link to the associated air waybill.
- Transport Details:
- Airport of Departure and Airport of Destination.
- Indication of aircraft type limitations: Delete non-applicable options (e.g., “Passenger and Cargo Aircraft” or “Cargo Aircraft Only”).
- Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods (core section):
- UN or ID number.
- Proper Shipping Name (and technical name if required).
- Class or Division (and subsidiary risk in brackets).
- Packing Group (if applicable).
- Number and type of packages.
- Quantity (net or gross as specified) and unit of measure.
- Packing Instruction number.
- Any authorizations or special provisions.
- Additional Handling Information: Emergency response info, special instructions, or overpack statements.
- Radioactive / Non-Radioactive: Mark or delete as appropriate.
- Certification Statement: The shipper signs and dates, declaring compliance. Include name/title of signatory and emergency contact if required.
- Warning: Failure to comply with regulations may result in legal penalties.
Best Practices:
- Provide at least three copies (two for the operator, one for records).
- Ensure the form has the characteristic red border/hash marks if using the standard IATA-style version.
- Cross-check against the latest IATA DGR checklist for non-radioactive or radioactive shipments.
- For military shipments, additional coordination with load teams or aircrew may be needed per DAFI 24-605.
For detailed field-by-field guidance, refer to IATA Section 8.1.6 or AF-specific instructions in publications like AFMAN 24-604.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect or incomplete UN number/proper shipping name sequence.
- Missing or wrong packing instruction or quantity details.
- Failure to indicate aircraft limitations correctly.
- Unsigned or undated form.
- Using untrained personnel for certification.
- Not providing the required number of copies.
Non-compliance can trigger shipment holds, civil penalties from DOT/PHMSA, or operational impacts in military channels.
Why Proper Completion Matters for USA Shippers?
Safe transport of dangerous goods protects personnel, aircraft, and the public. In the U.S. military context, accurate use of DAF Form 7507 supports mission readiness, interoperability with commercial carriers, and adherence to joint DoD standards.
Whether shipping lithium batteries, chemicals, explosives, infectious substances, or other HAZMAT, the declaration is a key link in the chain of custody and safety documentation.
Need Help or Training?
- Visit Air Force e-Publishing for the latest DAF Form 7507 and related instructions.
- Consult your unit transportation or safety office for AFMAN 24-604 training.
- For commercial air segments, work with IATA-certified shippers or forwarders.
- Review current IATA DGR (67th Edition) for 2026 updates.
Pro Tip: Always confirm requirements with the specific receiving unit or carrier, as exceptions or additional documentation (e.g., for Category A infectious substances) may apply.
By following this guide and using the official DAF Form 7507 correctly, U.S. military shippers can ensure compliant, safe, and efficient air transportation of dangerous goods.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official regulations or training. Always consult the most current versions of IATA DGR, AFMANs, DAFIs, and DTR for compliance.