FAQ

Here are some precautions for the shipment of chemical products:

I. Product Preparation

Product Classification and Identification

Chemical products are mainly divided into organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, and vegetable oil/animal fat.

Common organic chemicals include ethylene, vinyl chloride monomer, styrene monomer, ethylene glycol, benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether, etc.

Common inorganic chemicals include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc.

It is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the basic properties of chemicals, such as toxicity, ignition point, volatility, etc., and clearly indicate them in relevant documents to facilitate the packing, loading, unloading, and handling operations by operators.

Quality Inspection and Documentation

A chemical test report (Certificate of Cargo Transportation Conditions) must be obtained before export to prove that the goods are not dangerous.

For dangerous goods, it is necessary to obtain the Identification Result Sheet for the Use of Packaging for the Export of Dangerous Goods (Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate).

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required, which details the properties, hazards, safe use methods, and emergency measures of the chemical.

For non-dangerous goods, a Non-dangerous Guarantee Letter must be provided.

II. Packaging Requirements

General Requirements

Packaging must be sturdy, intact, leak-proof, and clean on the outer surface.

Goods with conflicting hazardous properties or fire-fighting methods must not be mixed in the same package.

The packaging components must have sufficient strength to withstand multiple handling operations and be suitable for mechanical loading and unloading.

Specific Requirements for Dangerous Goods

Packaging must be produced by qualified professional manufacturers and tested and inspected by professional testing and inspection institutions recognized by quality inspection departments.

Dangerous goods packaging must have clear markings, which should be affixed to prominent parts of the packaging. Containers and tanks should have corresponding enlarged dangerous goods packaging markings in prominent positions, and the markings should be firmly affixed or printed.

For radioactive substances, a “Radiation Level Inspection Certificate for Radioactive Substance Packages” issued by the health and epidemic prevention department must be held.

Packaging Classification

Generally, dangerous goods packaging is classified into three categories based on the degree of danger:

Class I Packaging: For goods with high danger, requiring high packaging strength.

Class II Packaging: For goods with medium danger, requiring relatively high packaging strength.

Class III Packaging: For goods with low danger, requiring general packaging strength.

III. Transportation Safety Regulations

Personnel Requirements

Drivers and escorts must undergo specialized training, hold relevant certificates, and strictly abide by operating procedures.

Vehicle Inspection

Before loading, the vehicle’s condition must be carefully checked, and any faults must be eliminated before operation.

It is necessary to pay special attention to checking the safety performance of containers, such as liquid level gauges, pressure gauges, valves, thermometers, emergency shut-off valves, and static electricity conducting devices to ensure they are safe and reliable, and to eliminate any leaks, drips, or other issues.

Loading and Unloading Operations

Handling should be done gently to prevent damage to packaging and containers, avoid generating dust, and prevent contact with acids or other incompatible substances.

After loading, the vehicle must be sealed to prevent moisture absorption or leakage during transportation.

After unloading, any residual chemicals on the vehicle must be promptly cleaned up to avoid scattering.

Transportation Process

Comply with traffic regulations, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and avoid illegal overtaking.

Avoid fatigue driving and drive steadily at a medium speed.

Minimize the use of emergency brakes during driving to maintain the stability of the goods and ensure driving safety.

Do not park in urban streets or densely populated areas for meals or rest. It is recommended to rest during the day and drive at night to avoid peak hours of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Emergency Response

In case of leakage, the vehicle should be quickly driven to an open area away from people and water sources if personal efforts cannot contain the situation.

In case of a traffic accident, the isolation area should be expanded, and relevant departments should be immediately notified.

Escort personnel should carry the accident technical handling plan for the carried goods (including hazard characteristics, handling measures, and fire-fighting measures), the product manufacturer’s contact phone number, and emergency phone numbers for traffic accidents, public security, fire fighting, ambulance, and environmental protection.

IV. Export Compliance Requirements

Customs Declaration

When declaring to customs, it is necessary to describe the name, CAS number, weight, specifications, and other information of the chemical in detail and comply with customs regulations.

Document Preparation

Export enterprises need to clarify the variety, quantity, packaging, quality, etc., of the chemicals to ensure that the goods meet export standards and the import requirements of the destination country.

Prepare corresponding product manuals, technical data, and other documents.

For dangerous goods, it is necessary to provide documents such as the Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate and the Non-dangerous Guarantee Letter (if applicable).

A customs declaration power of attorney issued by the exporter to the freight forwarder or shipping company for handling shipping matters is required.

Choosing a Freight Forwarder

It is crucial to choose a freight forwarder with rich experience and professional knowledge. The freight forwarder will provide one-stop services for enterprises, including shipping space booking, customs declaration, and inspection, greatly simplifying the export process.

Inspection and Quarantine

The customs will review the declaration information and issue a receipt of acceptance if there are no errors. The customs will inspect the goods as needed to ensure that the quantity, quality, packaging, etc., meet the export requirements. After the inspection is passed, the customs will sign and release the goods on the relevant documents.

V. Specific Precautions for Different Types of Chemicals

Flammable and Combustible Chemicals (e.g., gasoline, diesel)

The vehicle must be equipped with fire-resistant exhaust devices and static electricity grounding devices, which must be checked to ensure they are in good condition before loading.

Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited during loading and unloading.

The vehicle must be sealed after loading to prevent leakage during transportation.

Corrosive Chemicals (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid)

The vehicle and acid tank valves must be checked before loading to ensure they are in good condition, and the valves must be closed.

Close attention must be paid to the loading process to prevent acid overflow.

The vehicle must be sealed after loading to prevent spillage during transportation.

When unloading, the acid pipes must be securely bundled to prevent the acid pipes from falling off and the acid from splashing and injuring people.

Toxic and Infectious Substances (e.g., certain pesticides, medical chemicals)

Personnel must wear protective equipment such as protective clothing, gloves, and masks during loading and unloading.

The packaging must be sealed to prevent leakage and contamination.

The transportation vehicle should be equipped with corresponding fire-fighting equipment and emergency response equipment.

Gaseous Chemicals (e.g., liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas)

The vehicle must be equipped with fire-resistant exhaust devices and static electricity grounding devices, which must be checked to ensure they are in good condition before loading.

Close attention must be paid to the loading process to prevent overpressure.

The vehicle must be sealed after loading to prevent gas leakage during transportation.

When unloading, the gas pipes must be securely bundled to prevent the gas pipes from falling off and causing gas leakage.

Reactive Chemicals (e.g., certain peroxides, unstable substances)

The packaging must be stable and able to withstand changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure.

The transportation vehicle should be equipped with corresponding fire-fighting equipment and emergency response equipment.

Avoid contact with incompatible substances during transportation.

By following these precautions, the shipment of chemical products can be carried out safely and efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimizing potential risks.