Exporting Class 5.2 dangerous goods by sea presents a complex logistical challenge, with vessel selection, booking, declaration, and customs clearance forming a delicate sequence where any misstep can lead to shipment delays or substantial penalties. This guide outlines the critical procedures for successful maritime transport of these hazardous materials.
Understanding Class 5.2 Hazardous Materials
Class 5.2 substances comprise organic peroxides, categorized by physical state and temperature control requirements. The primary UN numbers include:
Liquid Variants:
- UN3101: Type B organic peroxide, liquid
- UN3103: Type C organic peroxide, liquid
- UN3105: Type D organic peroxide, liquid
- UN3107: Type E organic peroxide, liquid
- UN3109: Type F organic peroxide, liquid
- UN3111: Type B organic peroxide, liquid, temperature controlled
- UN3113: Type C organic peroxide, liquid, temperature controlled
- UN3115: Type D organic peroxide, liquid, temperature controlled
- UN3117: Type E organic peroxide, liquid, temperature controlled
- UN3119: Type F organic peroxide, liquid, temperature controlled
Solid Variants:
- UN3102: Type B organic peroxide, solid
- UN3104: Type C organic peroxide, solid
- UN3106: Type D organic peroxide, solid
- UN3108: Type E organic peroxide, solid
- UN3110: Type F organic peroxide, solid
- UN3112: Type B organic peroxide, solid, temperature controlled
- UN3114: Type C organic peroxide, solid, temperature controlled
- UN3116: Type D organic peroxide, solid, temperature controlled
- UN3118: Type E organic peroxide, solid, temperature controlled
- UN3120: Type F organic peroxide, solid, temperature controlled
Vessel Selection Considerations
Not all shipping lines accept Class 5.2 dangerous goods due to their high-risk nature. Primary vessel selection is preferable to shared space arrangements, reducing transfer risks and improving operational efficiency.
Booking Documentation Requirements
Shipping documentation must include:
- Booking request detailing cargo specifications
- English MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Dangerous goods packaging certificate
- Carrier-specific application form
Dangerous goods bookings typically require 10-day advance notice. Major carriers with established hazardous materials transport capabilities include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, KMTC, Wan Hai, T.S. Lines, RCL, APL, and ONE. Preliminary booking information generally becomes available within three business days.
Warehousing and Loading Protocols
Key warehousing considerations include:
- Exclusive use of certified dangerous goods transport vehicles
- Mandatory accompanying documentation (Chinese MSDS, emergency cards)
- Clear agreement on warehouse fee payment responsibility
- Pre-confirmation of palletization, wrapping, marking, and loading sequence requirements
Customs Declaration Process
Declaration submission requires:
- Original dangerous goods packaging certificate
- English MSDS matching booking documents
- Declaration power of attorney
- Detailed packing list
Declaration confirmation typically generates electronic receipts including the Dangerous Goods Safety and Fitness Declaration and port operation notification.
Customs Clearance Requirements
Clearance documentation includes:
- Customs declaration form
- Power of attorney
- Commercial invoice
- Declaration elements
Successful clearance depends on vessel manifest availability and warehouse confirmation of goods receipt.
Port-Specific Procedures
Shanghai port operations differ between Waigaoqiao and Yangshan terminals:
- Waigaoqiao: Goods delivery precedes customs declaration
- Yangshan: Customs clearance precedes goods delivery
Yangshan shipments require special shuttle bus arrangements for Class 5.2 dangerous goods, with reservations needed at least three days before vessel departure.
Documentation Finalization
Original bills of lading typically become available within two business days post-departure. Electronic release requests require advance notification and incur additional fees.