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.