What should be paid attention to when shipping chemicals?

What are "hazardous" chemicals?

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7 (HSPD-7) directs federal homeland security activities to focus on terrorist attacks that could result in "catastrophic health effects or mass casualties compared to the use of weapons of mass destruction." (22) For the purposes of this report, a hazardous chemical cargo is a chemical carried on board a commercial vessel that, if accidentally released or burned, could in certain circumstances cause a catastrophic hazard to the public. Typically, such hazards may include poisoning, suffocation, chemical burns, or thermal burns. In some cases, a single chemical may present these hazards simultaneously. A number of federal standards identify potentially hazardous chemicals. In terms of public safety, standards are issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Coast Guard, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Comply with dangerous goods transportation regulations and follow the procedures.

In the process of chemical transportation, special attention should be paid to the relevant procedures and regulations. For example, some dangerous goods must be operated in accordance with the relevant regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods. The packaging must be secure and the label must be attached. During the packing process, try to avoid open flame and high temperature, which can effectively prevent the explosion and volatilization of chemicals and ensure the safety and health of personnel. When choosing a container, a special inspection of the container is also required. For example, whether there are cracks, or whether the door of the box can be closed tightly, etc. When carrying out international shipping of chemicals, special attention should be paid to the fact that all the goods must be put into the container, and there should be no situation where the door of the container cannot be closed or sealed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical Shipping

What supporting documents are required for the export of chemicals by sea?

Generally, it is necessary to provide MSDS, shipping power of attorney, and if it is dangerous goods, it is also necessary to provide the dangerous goods packaging performance certificate, the identification report of the Chemical Research Institute, and the normal customs declaration information.

Information required for the export of chemicals (not classified as dangerous goods):

1. Before exporting, a chemical inspection report (certificate of cargo transportation conditions) should be made to prove that the goods are not dangerous goods.
2. FCL - some ships need an appraisal certificate, and some ships do not. In addition, a non-dangerous letter of guarantee and MSDS must be issued, both of which are essential.
3. LCL - non-dangerous letter of guarantee and cargo description (Chinese and English product name, molecular structure, appearance and use) are required.

Information required for export of chemicals as dangerous goods:

1. Before exporting, it is necessary to make a copy of the identification result sheet (dangerous package certificate) for the transportation and packaging of outbound dangerous goods. Of course, MSDS is also required.
2. FCL - before booking, you need to provide the above two documents to apply, and wait for the owner to review. In general, it takes 3-5 days to know whether the ship owner accepts it or not.
this product. Dangerous goods booking should be applied for 10 to 14 days in advance, giving sufficient time to both the consignor and the forwarder.
3. LCL - Dangerous package certificate and MSDS, weight and volume of goods are also required before booking.