Essential for Cross-Border Transportation: Classification and Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) for Dangerous Goods (Containing Electromagnetic/Liquids)

1.0 Purpose and Scope

Purpose: To standardize the classification, packaging, labeling, declaration, and emergency response procedures for all cross-border transportation involving goods containing electrical or liquid components, ensuring safe and compliant transportation, and avoiding legal risks, economic losses, and safety accidents caused by improper operation.

Scope: This SOP applies to all export transportation businesses of the company involving lithium batteries, lithium battery-containing equipment, and various liquids (including cosmetics, chemicals, alcoholic beverages, etc.), covering air freight, sea freight, and international express delivery.

2.0 Core Concepts and Responsibilities

Dangerous Goods: Substances and articles controlled by international regulations (such as IATA, IMDG) due to their chemical or physical hazards during transportation, including but not limited to various batteries and many liquids.

UN Number: A four-digit code designated by the United Nations to identify specific types of dangerous goods.

SOP Implementation Team Responsibilities:

Sales/Customer Service: Accurately collect cargo information (ingredients, specifications, MSDS) provided by customers.

Compliance Specialist: Responsible for final cargo classification, document review, and supervision of packaging and labeling.

Warehouse Operations: Strictly adhere to this SOP for cargo packaging, labeling, loading, and unloading.

Logistics Specialist: Responsible for communication with carriers, booking, and document submission.

3.0 Dangerous Goods Classification Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-01)

Objective: Accurately determine whether goods are dangerous goods and identify their UN number and hazard class.

Steps Operating Instructions Key Points/Tools

1. Information Gathering Obtain complete product information from the customer, including:

• Product composition/material table
• Material Safety Data Sheet
• Battery type, watt-hour/lithium content
• Product images/packaging method The MSDS is the most important basis for classification. Focus on Part 2 (Hazard Identification), Part 3 (Composition Information), and Part 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties). 2. Preliminary Classification

A. Items Containing Electrical Charges:

• Lithium Batteries: Depending on whether they are transported separately, packaged with equipment, or installed within equipment, they correspond to UN3480, UN3481, UN3090, UN3091, etc.
• Other Batteries: Such as lead-acid batteries (UN2794, UN2800).

B. Items Containing Liquids:

• Flammable Liquids (such as perfumes, paints): Flash point ≤60℃, belongs to Class 3, and the corresponding UN number (e.g., UN1266) needs to be found.
• Corrosive Liquids (such as acids, alkalis): Belong to Class 8.
• Non-hazardous Liquids: Such as water-based paints, low-concentration alcoholic beverages, proof is required. A Certificate of Conditions of Transport for Goods is used as the authoritative classification basis. A professional assessment agency can be commissioned to issue the certificate.

1. Final Confirmation Based on the collected information and tools, the compliance officer will make the final confirmation of the goods’:

• UN Number
• Correct Shipping Name
• Primary/Secondary Hazard Labels
• Packaging Class Final verification will be conducted by referring to the latest version of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations or IMDG Code.

4.0 Packaging and Labelling Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-02)

Objective: To ensure that goods use compliant packaging materials and correct labeling to mitigate transportation risks.

Steps Operating Instructions Key Points/Tools

1. Packaging Preparation

A. Items Containing Electrical Energy:

• Use UN-certified packaging (markings such as 1A2/Y1.2/…).
• Short Circuit Protection: Cover battery electrodes with insulating tape.
• Motion Prevention: Secure batteries/devices with linings (such as separators, foam).

B. Items Containing Liquids:

• Use UN-certified inner packaging (such as well-sealed plastic bottles, glass bottles). • Absorbent Material: Fill the space between the inner and outer packaging with sufficient absorbent cotton to absorb all liquid.
• Leak Prevention: Ensure all container caps are tightly closed and pass an inversion test. All packaging must be sourced from qualified suppliers. A compliant packaging and absorbent material should be readily available in the warehouse.

1. Labeling and Marking

• Lithium Battery Marking: For lithium battery products, a black-framed, white-background lithium battery marking must be affixed to a prominent location on the packaging, along with the UN number.
• Hazard Labeling: Affix the appropriate hazard label according to the classification (e.g., Class 9, Class 3 flammable liquids, Class 8 corrosive substances).
• Upward Arrow Label: Liquid shipments must have an “upward” arrow label affixed.
• Consignor/Recipient Information: Clear and durable. Labels must be secure, clear, and compliant with size (generally not less than 100mm x 100mm). All labels should be affixed to the side of the container and must not be covered by other information.

1. Pre-shipment Inspection: The warehouse supervisor inspects each packaged box to ensure:

• No damage or leakage in the packaging.
• Complete, correct, and clear markings and labels.
• Complete documentation. Complete the “Outbound Inspection Checklist,” sign it after confirming accuracy, and release the goods.

5.0 Document Preparation and Declaration Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-03)

Objective: Prepare complete and accurate legal documents and complete the declaration process to the carrier.

Steps Operating Instructions Key Points/Tools

1. Document Preparation

• Dangerous Goods Declaration Form: Completed and signed by a trained compliance officer. Ensure all information (UN number, category, packaging instructions, etc.) is completely consistent with the actual goods.
• MSDS: Prepared with the goods.
• Battery Test Summary: Lithium batteries must provide a test summary conforming to UN 38.3.
• Cargo Transport Condition Certificate: Recommended to be prepared with the goods, especially for complex cargo.
• Commercial invoice/packing list and dangerous goods declaration form are core legal documents; any error may result in the rejection of the entire shipment.

1. Advance Declaration and Booking Logistics specialists must:

• Submit the dangerous goods declaration form and other documents to the carrier (airline/shipping company) for review in advance (usually 3-5 working days in advance for air freight and 1 week in advance for sea freight).
• Apply for dangerous goods space; shipment can only be arranged after approval. Concealing, misreporting, or omitting declarations is strictly prohibited. Dangerous goods cannot be accepted in general cargo space.

1. Document Handover Accompany the approved complete set of documents with the shipment, and hand over the originals to the designated carrier contact person. Ensure the driver or delivery personnel are aware that the goods are dangerous and that they carry the necessary documents.

6.0 Emergency Response and Training Procedures

Emergency Response:

Leakage: Immediately isolate the area and clean up using absorbent materials. Operators must wear protective equipment.

Battery smoke/fire: If possible, extinguish the fire using a dry powder fire extinguisher (Class D) or plenty of water (if conditions permit and it is safe to do so), and immediately evacuate and call the fire department.

Emergency response flowcharts must be posted at all warehouses and operation points, and appropriate emergency equipment must be available.

Training Requirements:

All relevant employees must receive refresher training on dangerous goods transportation annually.

New employees must complete basic training and pass an assessment before engaging in related work.

Training records must be archived for future reference.

7.0 Supplementary Provisions This SOP is subject to interpretation and updating by the company’s Compliance Department. International transport regulations change frequently; all departments should ensure that operations are always performed in accordance with the latest versions of IATA, IMDG, and other regulations.

Attachments:

Dangerous Goods Information Collection Form

Outbound Inspection Checklist

Common Dangerous Goods Classification Quick Reference Table