Safe & Compliant Hazardous Cargo Transport

Lithium Batteries & Electronics

Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances

• Lithium-ion batteries (UN3480)
• Lithium metal batteries (UN3090)
• Equipment containing lithium batteries (UN3481 / UN3091)
• Power tools, drones, energy storage systems

⚠️ Norway's EV and energy storage market is growing fast, driving high demand for battery shipments.

Chemicals & Industrial Raw Materials

Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 8

• Class 3 Flammable liquids: paints, coatings, solvents, flavors
• Class 4 Flammable solids: activated carbon, metal powders
• Class 5 Oxidizers: peroxides, bleaches
• Class 6 Toxic substances: pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, intermediates
• Class 8 Corrosives: acids, alkalis, cleaning agents

Gases

Class 2 Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)

• Refrigerants (R134a, R410a, etc.)
• Compressed gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon)
• Aerosols, spray cans

Other Dangerous Goods

Class 6 Class 7

• Class 6 Infectious substances: medical waste, diagnostic reagents
• Class 7 Radioactive materials: industrial sources, medical (rare)
• Dry ice (UN1845, as ancillary material)

Air Freight Process for Dangerous Goods

1. Classification & Identification: Obtain a classification report from an accredited lab to confirm UN number, packing group, and proper shipping name.
2. Compliant Packaging: Use UN‑certified packaging with correct labels and marks per IATA DGR and IMDG.
3. Documentation: Prepare DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration), MSDS, transport classification certificate, packing list, and commercial invoice.
4. Booking & Handover: Book with an airline that accepts dangerous goods, confirm aircraft type and restrictions, and follow IATA DGR procedures.
5. Airport Operations: Submit cargo to the airport dangerous goods warehouse for inspection, reweighing, and security screening.
6. Arrival & Clearance: Upon arrival at Oslo Airport (OSL), a local customs broker handles import clearance and delivery.

Major Airports in China for Dangerous Goods

• ✓ Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – strongest dangerous goods handling
• ✓ Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) – leading for lithium batteries in South China
• ✓ Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) – comprehensive services
• ✓ Beijing Capital (PEK) – key for North China
• ✓ Hong Kong International (HKG) – global hub

Airlines that Accept Dangerous Goods (examples)

• ✓ Air China (CA)
• ✓ China Eastern (MU)
• ✓ China Southern (CZ)
• ✓ Cathay Pacific (CX)
• ✓ Lufthansa (LH)
• ✓ Qatar Airways (QR)
• ✓ Emirates (EK)

* Actual acceptance depends on route, aircraft type, and DG class.

LCL Dangerous Goods Operation Highlights

LCL consolidation is suitable for smaller quantities (less than a full container).

1. Booking & Consolidation Plan: Confirm DG class and UN number, book with the shipping line, and choose the consolidation port (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo) and destination in Norway (Oslo, Bergen).
2. Segregation & Compatibility: Different DG classes must be segregated per IMDG; incompatible goods (e.g., acids with alkalis, oxidizers with flammables) must not be mixed.
3. Packaging & Marking: Each package must bear correct hazard labels, marine pollutant marks (if applicable), and UN numbers.
4. Documentation: Provide DGD, MSDS, packing list, commercial invoice, customs declaration, and any special permits.
5. Stuffing & Supervision: Professional surveyors supervise stuffing, ensure proper securing, and verify that documents match the cargo.
6. Shipping & Destination: After the shipping line issues the Bill of Lading, cargo arrives at the Norwegian port, and local customs clearance and delivery follow.

Main LCL Ports in China

• ✓ Shanghai (Yangshan/Waigaoqiao)
• ✓ Ningbo (Beilun)
• ✓ Shenzhen (Yantian/Shekou)
• ✓ Guangzhou (Nansha)
• ✓ Qingdao

Main Destinations in Norway

• ✓ Oslo – largest consumer market
• ✓ Bergen – western hub
• ✓ Kristiansand
• ✓ Stavanger

* Actual coverage depends on shipping line schedules.

FCL Dangerous Goods Operation Process

FCL is ideal for large volumes; the process is more straightforward than LCL but demands high safety standards.

1. Booking with Shipping Line: Apply for dangerous goods FCL booking by providing DG class, UN number, packing group, estimated volume, and obtain carrier confirmation.
2. Container Selection: Choose the right container type (dry van, ventilated, reefer, etc.) and ensure it is clean and residue‑free.
3. Stuffing & Securing: Stuff cargo at a certified dangerous goods stuffing site using professional lashing and bracing to prevent movement, leakage, or spillage during transit.
4. Documentation: Complete the full package: DGD (reviewed and signed by the carrier), MSDS, packing list, invoice, customs declaration, and IMDG classification certificate.
5. Customs Declaration: Submit export declaration to Chinese customs and provide any required export licenses.
6. Loading & Ocean Voyage: Container is loaded on board and the shipping line issues a dangerous goods Bill of Lading; cargo moves via direct or transshipment routes to Norway.
7. Norwegian Clearance & Delivery: Upon arrival, local customs broker handles import clearance, pays duties and VAT, and arranges trucking to the final warehouse.

Transit Time Reference

• Direct service: about 25‑30 days (Shanghai/Ningbo → Oslo)
• Transshipment: about 30‑40 days (via Singapore/Rotterdam)
• Air freight: 3‑5 days (door‑to‑door)

FCL Document Checklist

• ✓ DGD (Dangerous Goods Declaration)
• ✓ MSDS
• ✓ IMDG Classification Report
• ✓ Packing List & Invoice
• ✓ Customs Declaration & Licenses
• ✓ Bill of Lading

Common Risk Controls

• Packaging damage → Use UN‑specified packaging
• Cargo shifting → Professional securing
• Temperature sensitivity → Choose reefer/ventilated containers
• Document discrepancy → Triple‑check with experts

Supplier Qualifications

• ✓ Business license covering international freight and dangerous goods
• ✓ NVOCC or first‑class freight forwarder license
• ✓ Dangerous goods personnel training certificates (IMDG, IATA DGR)
• ✓ Dangerous goods packing inspector qualification (for sea freight)
• ✓ Air cargo agent qualification (for air freight)
• ✓ AEO certification (preferred)

Core Document Checklist

• ✓ DGD – carrier/airline approval required
• ✓ MSDS – complete 16 sections
• ✓ IMDG Classification Report – issued by accredited lab
• ✓ UN Packaging Test Report – container certification
• ✓ Stuffing Certificate (sea) – onsite inspection record
• ✓ Air Waybill / Bill of Lading – with DG details
• ✓ Customs Entrustment & Declaration
• ✓ Export Licenses (e.g., dual‑use items, export permits)

Lithium Battery Shipping Guide

Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. Per IATA DGR and IMDG, the following core requirements must be met:

1. Lithium Battery Types & UN Numbers

2. Key Compliance Requirements

• ✓ UN38.3 Testing: Lithium batteries must pass the 8 tests of UN38.3 (altitude, thermal cycling, vibration, shock, short circuit, crush, overcharge, forced discharge).
• ✓ State of Charge (SOC): SOC must not exceed 30% for air freight / 50% for sea freight (recommended).
• ✓ Packaging: Use UN‑certified packaging with insulation (e.g., plastic trays, insulation tape) to prevent short circuits.
• ✓ Marking & Labeling: Outer packaging must bear the Lithium Battery Mark and Class 9 hazard label.
• ✓ Documentation: In addition to standard documents, provide UN38.3 test summary, battery MSDS, and transport classification certificate.

3. Special Requirements for Norway

• Norwegian customs impose strict environmental and safety reviews; provide battery composition declaration and WEEE compliance statement (if applicable).
• Some battery products may require import permits from the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet).
• It is advisable to coordinate with a local Norwegian customs broker to ensure documents meet Norwegian/English language requirements.

Global Giants

• ✓ Maersk – broad North Europe coverage, extensive DG experience
• ✓ MSC – global network, direct/transshipment China‑Norway
• ✓ CMA CGM – strong DG capabilities
• ✓ Hapag‑Lloyd – specialist in European routes

Chinese Majors

• ✓ COSCO Shipping – largest Chinese carrier
• ✓ OOCL – comprehensive route coverage
• ✓ ONE – key Asia‑Europe player
• ✓ Evergreen – regular scheduled services

Other Operators

• ✓ HMM – Asia‑North Europe
• ✓ ZIM – specialised DG services
• ✓ Pacific International – feeder supplement

* Actual acceptance subject to DG class, volume, origin and destination ports.

Major Airports with DG Capability

Airlines that Accept DG to the US (and Norway)

* Actual acceptance depends on route, aircraft type, and current IATA DGR regulations.