How to Ship Non-DG Chemical Cargo from Shanghai, China to Bermuda

Although Bermuda is known for financial services and tourism, its industrial and construction sectors have steady demand for basic chemical raw materials. The main non-DG chemical categories imported from China include:

Sample shipping is the first step in trade. Bermuda offers simplified customs clearance for samples, but procedures must still be followed:

1. Confirm non-DG status: Provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and a non-hazardous identification certificate (e.g., from Shanghai Chemical Industry Institute) to prove the sample contains no dangerous components.
2. Select courier: DHL, FedEx and UPS all offer international express services from China to Bermuda, with transit times of 3‑5 business days.
3. Declared value & purpose: State the value truthfully (low-value samples may qualify for duty exemption) and mark as “Chemical samples, not for resale”.
4. Packaging: Use sturdy outer cartons with absorbent material inside, seal bottle caps tightly and attach “This way up” labels to prevent leakage.
5. Accompanying documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS, and a copy of the non-DG certificate (if available).

Air freight is the fastest mode, suitable for high‑value or urgent non‑DG chemicals. As Bermuda has no major cargo airport, shipments usually transit via New York (JFK) or Miami (MIA) and then connect by feeder flight or sea‑air intermodal.

• Route: Shanghai/Guangzhou/Shenzhen → New York/Miami → Bermuda (L.F. Wade International Airport). Total transit about 5‑7 days.
• Booking requirements: Provide MSDS, transport condition appraisal (non‑DG), commercial invoice, packing list and air waybill.
• Packaging level: Comply with IATA Category 9 (non‑dangerous) packaging standards; UN‑certified packaging may be required (exemptions may apply for non‑DG).
• Cost components: Air freight (based on chargeable weight) + fuel surcharge + security fee + local delivery in Bermuda.

LCL (Less than Container Load) is cost‑effective for smaller volumes (1‑15 CBM) of non‑DG chemicals. Pay attention to Bermuda port operations:

• Port of loading: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other major ports. Cargo is typically shipped to Port of New York/New Jersey or Port of Miami for transshipment, then moved by feeder vessel to Hamilton Port in Bermuda.
• Process: Booking → delivery to warehouse (inland or at port) → export customs clearance → loading → transshipment → Bermuda customs clearance → delivery.
• Key documents: Booking note, packing list, invoice, MSDS, non‑DG certificate, export declaration.
• LCL notes: Confirm the free time at Bermuda terminal (usually 3‑5 days) and arrange customs broker with the consignee in advance.

FCL (Full Container Load) is suitable for larger volumes (20GP/40GP/40HQ) of non‑DG chemicals, offering better security and reliability:

• Container types: Standard dry containers (20GP ~28 CBM, 40HQ ~68 CBM). Use clean, odour‑free containers.
• Loading methods: Factory door loading (trailer to factory) or container yard loading (cargo delivered to port warehouse).
• Route: Same as LCL, transshipped via US East Coast (New York/Miami) to Hamilton Port.
• Cost structure: Ocean freight + port charges (THC, DOC, ENS, etc.) + US transshipment fees + local Bermuda charges.
• Advantages: Direct door‑to‑yard delivery, reduced cargo damage risk. Bermuda consignee can handle customs clearance independently or through an agent.

Whether by air or sea, the following documents are mandatory:

Compliance is the cornerstone of international chemical logistics. Follow these four dimensions:

• Product compliance: Verify that the cargo is not listed in the Dangerous Goods List (GB 12268) or IATA/IMDG regulations. Provide valid MSDS and non‑DG certificate.
• Packaging compliance: Use export‑standard packaging; inner and outer containers must be robust to prevent leakage. Mark “Non‑DG Chemicals” clearly.
• Declaration compliance: Ensure HS code and product description are accurate. Never misdeclare, omit or falsify information.
• Transport compliance: Choose a freight forwarder or carrier with chemical logistics experience, and confirm that transshipment ports (e.g., in the US) have no additional restrictions on non‑DG chemicals.