Dangerous goods export process by sea: key steps from booking to customs clearance

The following is the detailed process and key steps of dangerous goods export by sea from booking to customs clearance for reference:

1. Booking stage
   Confirm cargo information

Provide accurate dangerous goods information: UN number, correct shipping name, hazard class (Class), packaging category (PG), flash point (if applicable), CAS number, etc.

Confirm the packaging method: compliant packaging (such as UN boxes, cylinders, etc.) must comply with the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

Choose a compliant shipping company

Not all shipping companies accept dangerous goods. It is necessary to confirm in advance whether the route and shipowner accept this category of dangerous goods (such as special requirements for lithium batteries, chemicals, etc.).

Provide a “Dangerous Goods Transport Declaration” (DGD) and “MSDS” (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Booking application

Submit a booking letter to the shipping company or freight forwarder, indicating the nature, packaging, and stowage requirements of the dangerous goods.

Some high-risk goods need to be applied for 10-14 days in advance (such as Class 1 explosives, Class 2.3 toxic gases, etc.).

2. Packaging and labeling

Compliant packaging

Use certified UN packaging and mark the UN mark and packaging level (such as Class II packaging).

The packaging must pass the drop test, stacking test, etc. (a “Packaging Performance Test Result Sheet” must be provided).

Marking and labeling

The outer packaging is affixed with a dangerous goods logo (such as a diamond label for corrosive and flammable liquids).

The outside of the container needs to be affixed with:

Dangerous goods label (rectangular, size ≥25cm×25cm);

United Nations number (UNXXXX);

Correct shipping name (such as “ISOPROPANOL, 3, UN1219”).

3. Declaration and documents
   Dangerous goods declaration (DGD)

The freight forwarder or declarer shall submit the “Dangerous Goods Safe Transport Declaration Form” to the shipping company.

Required: MSDS, packaging certificate, dangerous goods classification identification report (issued by a CNAS certified laboratory).

Maritime Safety Administration Registration

In China, the “Declaration Form for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods” must be submitted through the “Maritime One-stop Service” platform, and approved by the Maritime Safety Administration (48 hours in advance).

Other documents

Cargo Transportation Conditions Appraisal (Different versions for air and sea transport);

Packing certificate (for dangerous goods only, signed by the loading supervisor);

Export customs declaration (must be consistent with the dangerous goods declaration information).

IV. Container loading and transportation
Loading supervision requirements

Dangerous goods must be loaded on site by professional loading supervisors to ensure that there is no leakage and the stacking meets the isolation requirements (such as the isolation of oxidants and flammables).

Refrigerated dangerous goods (such as certain organic peroxides) require pre-cooling containers.

Special requirements of the ship

Some goods need to be loaded on deck (such as Class 2.1 flammable gases);

Class 4.3 water-reactive goods need to be waterproofed.

V. Customs declaration and customs clearance
Export customs declaration

Submit the customs declaration, invoice, packing list, declaration form, etc., which must be completely consistent with the dangerous goods information.

Some countries need to send ENS (EU) or ISF (US) information in advance.

Customs clearance at the port of destination

The importing country may require:

Local MSDS translation;

Dangerous goods import license (such as India DGFT license);

Special customs clearance documents (such as US EPA form, Australia NICNAS certification).

May face inspection and quarantine (such as GHS label verification).

VI. Common risk points
Document discrepancy: Conflict between MSDS components and customs declaration data will lead to return.

Concealment and misreporting: The fine can be up to 3 times the value of the goods (such as China Maritime Safety Administration strictly investigates lithium battery concealment).

Improper isolation: Mixing acids and alkalis may cause accidents.

Notes
Confirm the regulations of the port of destination in advance (such as Saudi Arabia SASO, Turkey TURKCE certification).

It is recommended to purchase special transportation insurance for dangerous goods.

Use professional dangerous goods freight forwarders (such as DHL Global Forwarding, Bolloré, etc.).

If more specific operational details (such as a certain type of dangerous goods) are required, further explanations can be provided.