Home Dangerous Goods IMDG Code Guide for U.S. Importers
Navigating the transportation of chemicals and hazardous materials is a critical part of the supply chain for U.S. companies sourcing from China. The global standard for the safe ocean transport of these goods is the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. This guide breaks down the Code's central tool—the Dangerous Goods List (DGL)—to help you streamline compliance and avoid shipping delays.
The DGL functions as the master index of the IMDG Code. Once you have your product's UN Number and Packing Group (assigned based on hazard severity), the DGL provides a direct link to every specific requirement for packing, marking, stowage, and emergency response. It turns regulatory research into a straightforward lookup process.
Each column in the DGL delivers key information for your shipment paperwork and logistics planning:
| Column | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number (Cols 1, 18) | The universal product identifier. |
| Proper Shipping Name - PSN (Col 2) | The official name for bills of lading and package markings. |
| Class/Sub Risk (Cols 3, 4) | The hazard classification (e.g., Class 3 Flammable Liquid). |
| Packing Group - PG (Col 5) | Rates danger as PG I (high), II (medium), or III (low). |
| Special Provisions (Col 6) | Critical exceptions or variations to the standard rules. |
| Limited/Excepted Quantities (Cols 7a, 7b) | Determines if your shipment qualifies for simplified small-quantity packaging exceptions. |
| Packing Instructions (Cols 8, 9) | Codes (like P001) that reference the approved packaging types and maximum capacities in IMDG Code Chapter 4.1. |
| Portable Tank Instructions (Cols 13, 14) | Specifications for tank container shipments. |
| Emergency Schedule - EmS (Col 15) | Provides the fire and spill response codes (e.g., F-E for fire, S-E for spill). |
| Stowage and Handling (Col 16a) | The Stowage Category (A through E) is crucial. It dictates whether goods can go on passenger vessels and if they must be stowed on deck or are allowed under deck. |
| Segregation (Col 16b) | Details separation requirements from other hazardous materials. |
For a cleaner classified as UN 1993, PG II:
Compliance starts with accurate classification. You must obtain a valid Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and a competent Dangerous Goods Declaration or classification report from your Chinese supplier. This documentation is non-negotiable and must state the correct UN Number, PSN, Class, and Packing Group.
Providing this precise information to your freight forwarder enables them to use the Dangerous Goods List effectively. This proactive step ensures your shipment moves without incident, prevents costly holds or fines at port, and maintains the safety and integrity of your global logistics pipeline.
Have dangerous goods shipments from China to the USA? Contact our expert team for compliant and cost-effective solutions.
