What Non‑DG Chemical Products Does Germany Commonly Import from China?
Germany's chemical industry relies on a steady flow of raw materials and intermediates. Key categories of Non‑DG chemicals imported from China include:
- Coatings & Paint Raw Materials — Acrylic resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, titanium dioxide, pigments, dispersants, defoamers, and solvents.
- Adhesives & Sealant Ingredients — Polyurethane prepolymers, silane coupling agents, tackifying resins, curing agents.
- Plastics & Polymer Resins — PE, PP, ABS, PC, PA (nylon), POM, and other engineering plastics in pellet form.
- Dyes & Pigments — Organic pigments, inorganic pigments, dye intermediates, textile dyes.
- Surfactants & Auxiliaries — Non‑ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, thickeners for cleaning and personal care.
- Lubricant Additives — Anti‑wear agents, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, viscosity index improvers.
- Electronic Chemicals — Photoresists, developers, etching solutions, high‑purity solvents, cleaning agents.
- Other Fine Chemicals — Flavor & fragrance intermediates, pharmaceutical intermediates, food additives.
How to Ship Non‑DG Chemical Samples from Shanghai to Germany
Sample shipping is the first step in building trade relationships. Follow this standard procedure for shipping Non‑DG chemical samples from Shanghai to Germany:
Sample Preparation
- Sample weight ≤25 kg per shipment; liquid single bottle ≤1 L.
- Provide English MSDS (16‑section) with full composition and CAS numbers.
- Triple‑layer packaging: inner sealed container + shock‑absorbing foam + outer carton, leak‑proof.
- Powders require double plastic sealing to prevent dust leakage.
- Food‑grade or pharmaceutical‑grade samples must include analysis certificates.
Courier Options
- DHL Chemical Express — 3‑5 days, ideal for 1‑20 kg samples, door‑to‑door clearance in Germany.
- FedEx EU Priority — Cost‑effective for 20‑100 kg, transits via Paris or Amsterdam to Frankfurt.
- UPS Germany Direct — Preferred for pharma and electronic chemicals, 4‑6 days, customs at Frankfurt Airport.
Process: MSDS review → classification → pick‑up in Shanghai → export declaration → air freight → Germany clearance → delivery to lab/factory.
Air Freight Process for Non‑DG Chemicals from Shanghai to Germany
From Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) – direct or connecting flights available. Total transit 5‑8 days. Process steps:
| Step | Action | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pre‑Review | Client provides MSDS, composition, and shipping list. Our team classifies as Non‑DG and issues a non‑hazardous certificate. | Essential to confirm non‑dangerous status; misclassification causes delays. |
| 2 Pick‑up | We collect cargo from any Shanghai location, reinforce chemical‑grade packaging. | Ensure leak‑proof and shock‑resistant packing; labels must be clear. |
| 3 Export Declaration | Prepare commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration; submit via paperless system. | Accurate HS code and value declaration – avoid under/over‑valuation. |
| 4 Flight Booking | Direct flights to FRA/MUC or via LHR/AMS with trucking. Transit time 5‑8 days; direct flights 4‑6 days. | Chemicals are priority cargo; ensure label integrity during transshipment. |
| 5 Germany Customs Clearance | Submit MSDS, CO, customs declaration. Zoll checks REACH compliance and product composition. | Food/pharma grades may require additional health certificates. |
| 6 Local Delivery | After clearance, truck delivery to any German address (Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, etc.). | Delivery within 24‑48 hours after clearance. |
LCL Ocean Freight for Non‑DG Chemicals to Germany
For shipments 1‑15 CBM, Less‑than‑Container‑Load (LCL) is cost‑effective. Route: Shanghai → Hamburg or Bremerhaven (main German ports).
Route & Transit
- Origin: Shanghai Port
- Destination: Hamburg (HAM) or Bremerhaven (BRV)
- Transit: direct or via Rotterdam, total ~30‑35 days
- Weekly sailings (cut‑off Monday/Thursday)
- Compatible products: liquids, powders, granules (Non‑DG)
Special LCL Services
- Dedicated chemical segregation to avoid contamination.
- Full customs documentation, including Germany pre‑clearance.
- Cargo insurance covering leakage, damage, and transit delays.
- De‑consolidation at Hamburg port and nationwide delivery.
FCL Ocean Freight for Non‑DG Chemicals to Germany
For large volumes (≥20 CBM), Full Container Load (FCL) is recommended. Shanghai to Hamburg/Bremerhaven with 20GP/40HQ options.
Container Types
- 20GP – 5‑22 CBM, ideal for liquid drums and bagged powders.
- 40HQ – 55‑68 CBM, for bulk chemicals, plastic resins, and fine chemicals.
Transit Time
- Direct sailings: Shanghai → Hamburg, ~30‑35 days
- Via Rotterdam: ~32‑36 days
- Weekly sailings with flexible cut‑off times
Value‑Added Services
- Stuffing at our Shanghai warehouse with chemical‑grade bracing, palletising, and shrink‑wrapping.
- Certificate of Origin (CO) to reduce German import duties.
- Dedicated chemical clearance broker in Hamburg for large‑scale REACH declarations.
- Direct truck delivery from port to factory (no de‑consolidation).
- Door‑to‑door (DDP/DDU) available for full supply chain control.
Required Documentation & Compliance for Non‑DG Chemical Shipping
To export Non‑DG chemicals to Germany, the following documents and credentials are mandatory:
| Document / Credential | Description | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MSDS (English/German) | 16‑section safety data sheet covering composition, hazards, first‑aid, etc. | Must exactly match the product; mandatory for Zoll (German Customs). German translation recommended. |
| Non‑Hazardous Certificate | Issued by an accredited lab, confirming the product is not dangerous. | Required for both air and ocean; valid for 1 year. |
| Commercial Invoice & Packing List | Detailed product name, HS code, quantity, unit value, total value, gross/net weight. | Must align with customs declaration; avoid under/over‑valuation. |
| Export Declaration Authorisation | Authorises a licensed broker to handle export declaration. | Include company seal, business license, and customs registration number. |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | Supports MFN duty rates (0‑6.5% for most chemicals). | Recommended to reduce import duties. |
| Importer Credentials | German importer must have a valid VAT number and EORI number. | If the consignee lacks these, Goodhope Freight offers agency import services. |
| REACH Compliance Proof | For substances >1 ton/year, registration or pre‑registration is required. | We can connect you with an OR (Only Representative) for REACH. |
Compliance Export Operating Guide
Follow these 4 core steps to ensure full compliance when exporting Non‑DG chemicals from Shanghai to Germany:
Step 1 – Pre‑Shipment Compliance Review
Client provides MSDS and composition. Our chemical compliance team verifies: REACH status, restricted substances, flammability/corrosivity. Only Non‑DG (non‑dangerous) chemicals are accepted. For food/pharma grades, we verify GMP and FSC certificates.
Step 2 – Packaging Compliance
- Liquids: sealed drums with inner liners, tape on lids to prevent leakage.
- Powders: double PE bags + moisture‑proof cartons with desiccants.
- FCL cargo: all units palletised and shrink‑wrapped to prevent shifting.
- Food/pharma grades: sterile inner bags and outer labels "FOOD GRADE".
Step 3 – Shanghai Export Customs
Compile complete documentation and submit via Single Window. If inspected, our on‑site staff explain the chemical properties to avoid detention. Food‑grade chemicals require pre‑declaration to CIQ.
Step 4 – Germany Import Clearance
Forward MSDS and certificates to our German broker for REACH pre‑notification. Zoll verifies hazardous substance content. Food/pharma products may be referred to BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment). After release, arrange final delivery.
Germany Import FAQ
Success Stories – Shanghai to Germany Chemical Shipments
Product: Acrylic resin for coatings (Non‑DG)
Volume: 2×20GP (42 tons)
Route: Shanghai → Hamburg
Transit: 33 days
Highlight: We prepared full REACH documentation, CO, and handled German clearance with zero inspections; delivered to Düsseldorf factory on time.
Product: High‑purity cleaning agents
Volume: 450 kg
Route: PVG → FRA (direct)
Transit: 5 business days
Highlight: Urgent order; we coordinated with the airline for priority booking and completed customs clearance in 1 day, delivering to the client's lab in Munich.
Product: PP and PE pellets
Volume: 8 CBM (regular shipments)
Route: Shanghai → Bremerhaven
Transit: 32 days
Highlight: Dedicated LCL consolidation with proper segregation; zero leakage or customs issues in over 10 shipments; delivered to a plastics factory in Hanover.
Why Choose Goodhope Freight for Your Chemical Shipping Needs?
Chemical‑Savvy Team
Our experts review MSDS, classify Non‑DG goods, and ensure REACH compliance, reducing customs risks.
Germany‑Dedicated Lanes
Strong relationships with carriers and local brokers in Hamburg and Frankfurt ensure stable space and competitive rates.
One‑Stop Service
Pick‑up, packing, customs clearance, CO, Germany clearance, insurance, and nationwide delivery – all under one roof.
Cargo Protection
Specialised chemical insurance covers leakage, damage, moisture, transit delays, and customs detention – giving you peace of mind.
Dedicated Support
Each order has a personal coordinator, real‑time tracking, and rapid resolution of German customs issues through our local agent.
REACH & Compliance Expertise
We guide you through REACH registration, CLP labeling, and German-specific documentation – ensuring smooth import.
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