How to import Non-DG chemical cargo
from Qingdao, China to Cuba

📦 Express courier (recommended)

• DHL / FedEx / UPS chemical special line – for non-DG samples (≤30kg), door-to-door
• Transit time: 3–7 working days from China to Cuba
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) option covers customs clearance, duties and delivery in one price

📋 Required documents for samples

• Commercial invoice (full description, value, origin, tariff code)
• Packing list
• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
• Non-hazardous classification certificate or non-DG declaration letter
• If liquid/powder, provide ingredient composition details

✈️ Air freight procedure

1. Confirm cargo properties – provide MSDS and non-DG certificate to verify not dangerous
2. Book space – with freight forwarder or airline, provide name, weight, volume
3. Deliver cargo – to designated airport warehouse or arrange pick-up
4. Export customs declaration – submit commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, non-DG proof etc.
5. Transport & import clearance – upon arrival at José Martí International Airport in Havana

📄 Key air freight documents

• Commercial invoice & packing list
• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Transport condition identification certificate (issued by chemical research institute)
• Non-DG declaration letter or chemical non-hazardous certificate
• MSDS (Chinese/English, including molecular formula, structure, composition, physical properties)
• Import/export license (if applicable)

📋 LCL procedure

1. Inquiry & booking (7–15 days before shipment): provide product name, HS code, gross weight, volume
2. Deliver to warehouse – send cargo to forwarder's nominated LCL warehouse
3. Export customs clearance – submit full export declaration documents
4. Stuffing & departure – forwarder consolidates multiple shipments into one container
5. Arrival, devanning & import clearance

📄 Required LCL documents

• Non-DG declaration + MSDS
• Chinese/English cargo description (product name, structure, appearance, use)
• Commercial invoice & packing list
• Bill of Lading (issued by forwarder)
• Transport condition certificate (recommended)

📋 FCL procedure

1. Booking (7–10 days ahead): provide MSDS and non-DG certificate; shipping line review (3–5 days)
2. Pickup & stuffing – can be done at factory or warehouse
3. Export customs & maritime declaration
4. Ocean transport – to Cuba port
5. Destination clearance & delivery

📄 Required FCL documents

• Non-DG declaration + MSDS (some carriers require the certificate)
• Commercial invoice & packing list
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Customs declaration, sales contract
• Certificate of origin (if applicable)

✅ China side compliance

• Accurately confirm HS code and determine if it is dangerous or dual-use
• Obtain transport condition identification certificate in advance (from chemical institute)
• If dangerous goods, obtain dangerous goods packaging certificate (lead time ~15 days)
• Comply with the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals and export control rules
• Wooden packaging must be fumigated and marked with IPPC

🇨🇺 Cuba side compliance

• Check if the product is listed in Cuba's Import/Export License Management Catalogue
• Chemicals may need review by the National Chemicals Administration (ANIC)
• Technical documents (MSDS, composition reports, etc.) must be consular legalised
• Importer must be registered in the National Import/Export Register of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce
• Products may need to pass local conformity assessment (SPC)

Q: How to distinguish ordinary chemicals from dangerous goods?

A: According to the Dangerous Goods List and UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The most reliable way is to obtain a transport condition identification certificate from a chemical research institute.

Q: What format must the MSDS be in?

A: It is recommended to use the standard 16-section format in both Chinese and English, covering chemical name, composition/hazards, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, handling/storage, exposure controls, physical/chemical properties, stability/reactivity, toxicology, ecology, disposal, transport, regulatory and other information.

Q: How long does shipping to Cuba take?

A: Air freight: 5–10 days (including customs clearance); Sea freight: 25–35 days (from major Chinese ports to Havana or Mariel). The new cargo flight route can cut air transit to under 24 hours.

Q: How long does Cuban consular legalisation take?

A: Usually 2–4 weeks, involving domestic notarisation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication, and Cuban embassy legalisation. Start 1–2 months ahead.

Q: Can I ship liquids or powders?

A: Yes. Non-dangerous liquids/powders/pastes can be shipped via express courier, air or sea, but must provide MSDS and non-DG certification. Packaging must be leak-proof and moisture-proof.

Q: Which is more cost-effective – LCL or FCL?

A: For volume < 15 CBM, LCL is more flexible; for volume > 15 CBM, FCL has lower unit cost. FCL also avoids delays or contamination from mixing with other cargo.

Chemical expertise

Deep experience in non-DG and some dangerous goods, proficient in MSDS review, non-DG certification and Cuba compliance.

China-Cuba network

Coverage from major Chinese ports/airports to Havana and Mariel, offering LCL, FCL and air services.

Full documentation support

Assistance with MSDS translation, non-DG certificates, consular legalisation, certificates of origin – one‑stop document solutions.

DDP door‑to‑door

All‑in‑one pricing covering export customs, import clearance and duty payment – reducing the risk of detention.

Reliable transit times

Air 5–10 days, sea 25–35 days, and the new cargo route offers 24‑hour express service.

Destination clearance team

Specialised chemical clearance team familiar with Cuban import regulations, efficiently handling inspections and declarations.