China's Updated Regulations on Diesel: Implications for International Shipping and Logistics

1. Overview of the Change

A joint announcement (No. 8 of 2022) issued by ten Chinese ministries, including the Ministry of Emergency Management and the Ministry of Transport, has enacted a significant revision to the "Hazardous Chemicals List (2015 Edition)." The change, effective January 1, 2023, simplifies the entry for diesel.

• Previous Listing: Item 1674: Diesel fuel [closed cup flash point ≤60°C]
• Current Listing: Item 1674: Diesel fuel

The revision removes the "[closed cup flash point ≤60°C]" qualifier. Consequently, all diesel fuel is now uniformly regulated under the List, regardless of its specific flash point.

2. Key Impacts on Logistics and Transportation from China

• Domestic China Compliance: This change primarily affects the domestic handling within China—including storage, packaging, labeling, and documentation for diesel intended for export. Shippers and forwarders must ensure all inland logistics and export preparation comply with hazardous chemical management rules.
• Documentation Requirements: The Shipper's Declaration and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for diesel shipments must accurately reflect its status as a listed hazardous chemical under Chinese law. This is a critical requirement for customs clearance and port release in China.
• Supplier Management: Overseas buyers should inform their Chinese suppliers of this update. Suppliers are now subject to stricter hazardous chemical enterprise management protocols for all diesel production and handling.
• Future Guidance: Supporting documents like the "Hazardous Chemicals Classification Information Table" will be updated accordingly. The industry should monitor for further implementation guidelines.

3. Recommendations for International Buyers

• Communicate this update to your suppliers in China immediately.
• Request updated Chemical Hazard Classification Reports and Transportation Condition Appraisals from your suppliers, prepared by accredited laboratories (e.g., CNAS/GLP accredited).
• Coordinate closely with your freight forwarder to verify that all documentation, packaging, and declarations for diesel shipments are fully compliant with the revised List before shipment execution.