China's New 2025 Dangerous Goods Transport Standards: Key Updates for International Shippers

China has released two revised mandatory national standards that will govern the classification, packaging, marking, and transport of all dangerous goods shipped from the country. The new standards—GB 6944-2025 (Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods) and GB 12268-2025 (List of Dangerous Goods)—were published on March 28, 2025, and will take effect on October 1, 2025, following a six-month transition period.

These updates align China's regulatory framework with the United Nations Model Regulations (Rev. 23) and introduce significant changes that international buyers, logistics providers, and manufacturers must understand to maintain compliance and avoid shipment delays.

1. Major Revisions in the 2025 Standards

A. GB 6944-2025 – Classification Rules

This standard defines the hazard classification criteria. Key updates include:

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances: The previous three-tier packaging group system (PG I, II, III) has been replaced. Packaging requirements will now be based on revised corrosion criteria.
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles: Clear classification rules are now provided for lithium batteries and the newly included sodium-ion batteries, as well as for capacitors and ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers.
Class 2 – Gases: The definition of "adsorbent gases" has been added, and classification principles for gas mixtures have been clarified.
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids: Definitions and viscosity-based exemptions for viscous liquids have been updated. A new table correlating viscosity, flashpoint, and packing groups has been introduced.
Naming Update: Class 7 is now officially referred to as "Radioactive Material" (changed from "Radioactive Substances").

B. GB 12268-2025 – Dangerous Goods List

This is the official list of dangerous goods permitted for transport in China. Key changes include:

69 new UN Numbers have been added (e.g., UN0510–UN0513, UN3496–UN3560), while UN1169 has been removed.
The list has been expanded from 11 to 13 columns. New columns provide mandatory information on:

Limited Quantity (LQ) and Excepted Quantity (EQ) allowances
Detailed packaging instructions, including requirements for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), portable tanks, and bulk containers

This update makes the Chinese list more detailed and aligned with international multimodal transport documentation.

2. Compliance Timeline and Required Actions

All dangerous goods shipments departing China on or after October 1, 2025, must comply fully with the 2025 standards. During the transition period, stakeholders should:

Review and Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Suppliers must revise SDS to reflect new classifications, especially for items such as sodium-ion batteries, capacitors, and corrosive substances.
Verify Product Classification and UN Numbers: Confirm that each product's proper shipping name, UN number, and hazard class are updated according to the 2025 list.
Update Packaging and Marking: Ensure that all packaging—including inner, outer, and intermediate packaging—complies with revised packaging group assignments and marking requirements.
Obtain Updated Transport Documents: The mandatory Transportation Condition Identification Report (often called a DGN report or DG certificate in China) for air, sea, road, or rail must be issued based on the 2025 standards. Forwarders and carriers will require this for booking acceptance.
Communicate with Logistics Partners: Provide your freight forwarder with updated documentation well in advance to secure dangerous goods bookings, which typically have strict carrier cut-off times.

3. Impact on International Logistics Operations

For international procurement and logistics teams, these changes mean:

Enhanced Documentation Accuracy: The expanded Dangerous Goods List provides clearer guidance, reducing interpretation errors.
Stricter Packaging Compliance: Particularly for Class 8 and Class 9 goods, packaging specifications may change, affecting cost and preparation time.
Supply Chain Timing: Failure to comply by the deadline will result in refusal of cargo, re-packing costs, shipment delays, and potential penalties.
Testing and Certification: Products requiring re-classification or new to the list must undergo testing at accredited Chinese labs to obtain the updated transport certificate.

4. Conclusion

China's 2025 update of its core dangerous goods standards represents a significant step toward global regulatory harmonization. For international businesses shipping chemicals, batteries, or regulated articles from China, proactive review and preparation during the transition period are essential to ensure continuous, compliant, and safe logistics operations.

Recommended Action: Engage with your suppliers and logistics partners now to verify classification, update documentation, and schedule any necessary testing to avoid disruption as the October 1, 2025 enforcement date approaches.

Key Takeaways for International Shippers
Effective Date: October 1, 2025 – all DG shipments from China must comply with GB 6944-2025 and GB 12268-2025.
New UN Numbers: 69 new entries added; verify your product's UN number against the updated list.
Sodium-ion batteries: Now have clear classification rules under Class 9.
Class 8 changes: Packaging group system replaced with revised corrosion criteria.
Expanded columns: New LQ/EQ allowances and detailed packaging instructions (IBC, portable tank, bulk container).
Act now: Update SDS, classification reports, and transport certificates before October 1, 2025.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on China national standards GB 6944-2025 and GB 12268-2025. Always consult certified dangerous goods personnel, your freight forwarder, and the latest regulatory editions for specific cargo requirements.