What should we pay attention to when shipping chemicals?

Chemical shipping is an important part of the shipping market. Chemicals mainly include organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals and vegetable oils and animal fats. The main types of organic chemicals include ethylene, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer, styrene monomer, ethylene glycol, ethyl cyanide, benzene, methyl tertiary butyl ether, etc., accounting for about 46% of the seaborne volume of chemicals. ; The main types of inorganic chemicals include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc., accounting for about 15% of the shipping volume of chemicals; vegetable oils and animal fats account for about 25% of the shipping volume of chemicals.

In addition to the above categories of goods that need to be carried by chemical tankers, other chemicals with large transportation volumes include lubricating oil and syrup. The annual shipping volume of lubricating oil is about 6 million tons, and the annual shipping volume of syrup is more than 7 million tons. Thousands of tons. China is a major shipping country with great potential to develop maritime transportation of chemicals. With the rise of China's economy in the world, my country's maritime transportation of chemicals will also undergo a leap forward. Let’s take a look at what you need to pay attention to when shipping chemicals?

Understand the basic properties of chemicals

In order to safely carry out international shipping of chemicals, it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of some basic properties of chemicals, such as toxicity, ignition point, volatility, etc., and specially indicate them in relevant documents to facilitate operators to pack, package and transport chemicals safely. Loading, unloading and moving work.

Comply with dangerous goods transportation regulations and operate according to procedures

In the process of transporting chemicals, special attention should be paid to relevant processes and regulations. For example, some dangerous goods must be operated in accordance with the relevant regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods. The packaging must be secure and the labels must be affixed. During the packing process, try to avoid open flames and high temperatures, which can effectively prevent the explosion and volatilization of chemicals and ensure the safety and health of personnel. When choosing a container, you also need to check the container specifically. For example, are there any cracks, or whether the door can be closed tightly, etc. When transporting chemicals internationally, special attention must be paid to the fact that all goods must be put into the container, and there must be no door that cannot be closed or cannot be sealed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical Shipping

1. What supporting documents are required for sea export of chemicals?

Generally, you need to provide MSDS, shipping power of attorney. If it is dangerous goods, you also need to provide dangerous goods packaging performance certificate, chemical research institute appraisal report, and normal customs declaration information.

2. Why do we need to provide MSDS when exporting dangerous goods and general chemicals by sea?

MSDS is an important document that conveys chemical hazard information. It briefly describes the hazards of a chemical to human health and the environment and provides information on the safe handling, storage, and use of the chemical. Developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and EU countries have generally established and implemented MSDS systems. According to the chemical management regulations of these countries, manufacturers of hazardous chemicals are usually required to provide a safety data sheet for their products when selling, transporting or exporting their products.

At present, foreign requirements for MSDS (SDS) have been expanded to almost all chemicals. At this point, chemicals exported to developed countries now basically require MSDS (SDS) for smooth customs declaration. And some foreign buyers will require the MSDS (SDS) of the items, and some domestic foreign companies or joint ventures will also make this requirement.

Information required for export of chemicals (not hazardous goods):

1. Before exporting, a chemical testing report (cargo transportation condition appraisal certificate) must be obtained to prove that the goods are not dangerous goods.

2. Full container - some ships require an appraisal certificate, while others do not. In addition, a non-risk guarantee letter and cargo MSDS must be issued, both of which are essential.

3. LCL - A non-hazardous guarantee letter and description of the goods (product name in Chinese and English, molecular structure, appearance and use) are required.

Information required for export of chemicals as dangerous goods:

1. Before exporting, you must make a copy of the outbound dangerous goods transportation packaging usage appraisal result sheet (dangerous package certificate). Of course, MSDS is also required.

2. FCL - Before booking, you need to provide the above two documents to apply and wait for the shipowner's review. Generally, it takes 3-5 days to know whether the ship owner will accept it or not.

this product. Dangerous goods booking should be applied 10 to 14 days in advance to give both the shipper and freight forwarder sufficient time.

3. LCL - Before booking, you also need to provide the dangerous package certificate and MSDS, as well as the weight and volume of the goods.