Important Update: Regulatory Change for Diesel Shipments from China (Dangerous Goods Logistics Perspective)

To All International Clients Procuring Diesel and Related Chemical Products from China:

Please be advised of a critical regulatory update issued by Chinese authorities that directly impacts the international transportation of diesel via ocean freight and air freight.

Official Revision:

On November 7, 2022, China's Ministry of Emergency Management, along with several other ministries, announced an adjustment (Announcement No. 8 of 2022) to the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals (2015 Edition), effective January 1, 2023.

Key Change:

The catalog entry for diesel has been revised from "1674 Diesel [closed-cup flash point ≤60°C]" to simply "1674 Diesel". This removes the previous condition that limited hazardous chemical classification only to diesel with a flash point of ≤60°C. Consequently, all diesel is now uniformly classified as a hazardous chemical (Dangerous Good) in China.

Implications for International Logistics:

• Transportation Classification & Declaration: Effective immediately, all diesel exported from China must be handled, packed, marked, labeled, documented, and declared strictly as Dangerous Goods (Class 3 Flammable Liquids) for both ocean shipment (per the IMDG Code) and air shipment (per IATA DGR regulations). It is no longer permissible to ship diesel as general cargo based on a higher flash point.
• Booking & Operational Procedures: Shippers (your suppliers) must explicitly declare the cargo as "Dangerous Goods - Diesel" to their freight forwarder. This requires booking dangerous goods slots (for sea freight) or obtaining carrier approval (for air freight). The entire process, including the use of certified DG packaging, securing necessary documentation such as the Transportation Condition Identification Report, becomes more complex and time-consuming than for non-hazardous cargo.
• Compliance & Safety: This change aims to enhance safety management throughout the diesel supply chain. Failure to comply with DG regulations may result in cargo detention, substantial fines at the port of loading, clearance issues at the destination, and could pose serious safety risks during transport, leading to significant financial and legal liabilities.

Recommendations for Buyers:

• Clarify in Contracts: When placing orders for diesel with Chinese suppliers, explicitly reference this regulatory update and confirm the supplier's commitment to fulfilling all hazardous goods export compliance procedures.
• Engage a Specialist Forwarder: Work with a freight forwarder possessing proven expertise in handling chemical and dangerous goods exports from China. They can provide professional guidance to ensure end-to-end compliance.
• Allow Extra Lead Time: The booking and approval process for dangerous goods requires additional time. Factor this into your logistics planning to avoid supply chain disruptions.