A Freight Forwarder's Guide: Shipping Chemicals & Dangerous Goods from China by Air or Sea

If you source goods from China—especially chemicals, batteries, or engineered materials—you already know that transportation compliance isn't optional; it's a hard requirement for safe, on-time delivery. As a Shenzhen-based international freight forwarder, we work daily with Chinese suppliers, testing labs, carriers, and overseas consignees to navigate the regulatory landscape. Below is a clear, actionable overview of the key reports, declarations, and training needed to move your shipments legally and safely via air or ocean.

Start with the Right Transport Condition Assessment

Before booking cargo, you need a Transport Conditions Identification Report (often called a Dangerous Goods Classification Report) aligned with international modal regulations. This document confirms whether a product is classified as dangerous goods and how it must be packed, labeled, and declared.

• Air Freight: Follows IATA DGR (latest edition). Airlines and airport security require this report before accepting shipments.
• Ocean Freight: Based on IMDG Code. Carriers and port state control (including maritime safety authorities) check conformity at load ports and destinations.

Two Critical Reports Many Buyers Overlook

1. Hazard Classification Identification Report

Under China's customs requirements (e.g., Announcement No. 129 of 2020), exports of chemicals listed in the China Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals must undergo inspection and provide hazard classification. Two versions exist:

• With GHS classification → Required at some ports; details hazard categories per UN GHS.
• Without GHS → Used where only catalog-listing confirmation is needed.

2. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD / Shipper's Declaration)

Per IATA and IMDG rules, every dangerous goods shipment requires a completed DGD in English (plus translation if local language differs). Accurate DGD prevents delays and ensures downstream partners can process declarations correctly.

Packaging Compliance for Road & Multimodal Moves

For inland transport within China, Packaging Performance Test Reports or Package Use Declarations are mandatory under PRC road transport regulations. If cargo qualifies as Limited Quantity or Excepted Quantity, it may be treated as general cargo—but proof must be provided to the carrier.

Invest in Training—It Reduces Risk

Personnel handling DG must be trained and certified per ICAO TI, IATA DGR, and CCAR-276 (China's civil aviation DG regs). Certified training covers all hazard classes (1–9) and roles (shipper, packer, forwarder, etc.). Custom sessions are available for supply chain safety topics including new energy and urban transport compliance.