Dangerous Goods Ocean Export: A Complete Guide
1. Definition and Classification of Dangerous Goods
International ocean transport classifies dangerous goods into 9 classes under the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code): ① explosives ② gases ③ flammable liquids ④ flammable solids ⑤ oxidizing substances/organic peroxides ⑥ toxic substances ⑦ radioactive materials ⑧ corrosive substances ⑨ miscellaneous dangerous goods (such as lithium batteries, dry ice, etc.).
Among these, Class 3 (flammable liquids), Class 8 (corrosive substances) and Class 9 (lithium batteries) are the most commonly encountered dangerous goods categories in cross-border e-commerce and foreign trade.
2. Essential Documents for Dangerous Goods Export
| Document | Purpose | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| MSDS (Chinese version) | Material Safety Data Sheet describing the product's physical/chemical properties and hazards | Manufacturer or third-party laboratory |
| DG Packaging Certificate | Certificate of inspection for the use of dangerous goods packaging | Local customs (formerly the inspection bureau) |
| DG Declaration Form | Declaration of dangerous goods export to the maritime authority | Maritime Safety Administration (via declaration agent) |
| UN38.3 Test Report | Lithium-battery specific: UN transport safety test | Third-party CNAS laboratory |
| Cargo Transport Condition Certificate | Determines whether goods are dangerous and their transport conditions | Third-party laboratory (e.g. Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry) |
3. Declaration Process
① The manufacturer provides the MSDS and product information → ② commission a third-party laboratory to issue the Cargo Transport Condition Certificate → ③ use the certificate to apply to local customs for the DG Packaging Certificate (packaging use inspection) → ④ when booking, declare the dangerous goods to the carrier and provide the full set of documents → ⑤ the carrier approves and issues the container release order → ⑥ after stuffing, submit the DG (Dangerous Goods) electronic declaration to the Maritime Safety Administration → ⑦ after MSA approval, enter the port and load with the receipt.
4. Common Pitfalls
- Misclassified as non-dangerous goods: alcohol-based hand sanitizer, aromatherapy essential oils, power banks, and auto parts (containing airbags/seatbelt pretensioners) are often mistakenly treated as general cargo when they are actually dangerous goods. If concealment is caught by customs, it leads to fines or even criminal liability.
- Non-compliant packaging: dangerous goods must use UN-certified packaging (bearing the UN mark); ordinary cartons or non-standard packaging are not allowed.
- LCL restrictions: many dangerous goods cannot be consolidated with other cargo and must be loaded in dedicated containers. Certain categories (such as Class 1 explosives and Class 6.2 infectious substances) may be completely prohibited from consolidation.
- Destination-specific requirements: different countries impose additional requirements on dangerous goods imports (such as EU REACH and Korea K-REACH chemical regulations), so destination compliance must be confirmed before export.
We have a professional dangerous goods operations team that provides end-to-end guidance on MSDS review, DG Packaging Certificate processing and maritime declaration, ensuring dangerous goods are shipped safely and compliantly. Hotline: 189-1692-3020.
Author: YINGSHANG Editorial Team
Reviewed: · Source: Shanghai Yingshang Car Rental Co., Ltd.
The YINGSHANG Editorial Team is the official content team of Shanghai Yingshang Car Rental, responsible for curating international logistics, import customs clearance and supply chain content, and for verifying pricing and reviewing content.
Freight rates, service and process details in this article were reviewed and updated by the YINGSHANG Editorial Team on 2026-07-02. International logistics prices fluctuate with the market and are subject to the day's quote; call 189-1692-3020 for the latest plans and rates.