In international trade, maritime shipping has always been the primary method for transporting goods. Whether dealing with ordinary cargo or dangerous goods, the booking process is a crucial step. However, significant differences exist between the two, particularly in the handling of dangerous goods, which relies on strict regulations and safety standards.
The Booking Process for Ordinary Goods
Ordinary goods, referring to general chemical products without special hazards during transportation, follow a relatively straightforward booking process. When arranging sea shipment for such goods, the shipper must provide the shipping company with a Booking Note , an essential document confirming cargo information and transportation requirements.
An English version of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is also mandatory. This document details the chemical's characteristics, safety precautions, and emergency measures, helping transportation and receiving parties understand potential hazards. Additionally, some shipping companies require certification documents provided by institutions like the Shanghai Chemical Industry Research Institute to ensure transported chemical products comply with relevant standards and regulations.
The More Complex Process for Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods, defined as substances that may endanger human health or the environment during transportation, storage, or use, face a more rigorous booking process. Beyond the Booking Note and MSDS, exporters must provide a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate . This critical document proves that the packaging meets national and international safety standards.
According to China's Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law , all enterprises exporting dangerous goods must apply to commodity inspection authorities for packaging container certification. Uncertified packaging is strictly prohibited for export.
During booking, shipping companies thoroughly review the Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate to ensure packaging compliance and safety. Failure to provide this certificate directly impacts the completion of dangerous goods declaration, consequently affecting the entire export timeline. The dangerous goods declaration process, a crucial risk assessment and recording step, cannot proceed without the packaging certificate, potentially preventing shipment altogether.
Customs Clearance and Port Entry Procedures
While customs procedures for ordinary and dangerous goods appear similar, port entry processes differ substantially. Ordinary goods typically proceed directly to customs clearance, whereas dangerous goods require completion of the dangerous goods declaration first. Only after obtaining the port entry permit (yellow form) and having all relevant procedures acknowledged can dangerous goods begin customs clearance—a process both more time-consuming and stringent.
In summary, while sea exports of ordinary and dangerous goods may appear to follow parallel processes, they diverge significantly in details and safety protocols. These differences reflect the international shipping industry's commitment to safe transportation while reminding all participants to strictly adhere to regulations, ensuring smooth and secure cargo exports.
