Exporting hazardous materials can present significant challenges, particularly when dealing with Class 6 dangerous goods — toxic substances and infectious substances. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the complete export process, from booking preparation to container loading and customs clearance.
Understanding Class 6 Dangerous Goods
Class 6 hazardous materials are divided into two categories:
Toxic Substances (Class 6.1)
These substances can cause harm to human health through chemical or physical interactions when entering the body in small quantities. Toxicity levels are relative and determined by dosage, categorized as:
- Low toxicity
- Moderate toxicity
- High toxicity
- Extremely toxic
Many agricultural pesticides fall under this classification. Exports typically require a pesticide registration certificate indicating toxicity level. For extremely toxic substances, additional documentation such as a Toxic Chemicals Purchase License (registered with public security authorities) is required for domestic transportation.
Infectious Substances (Class 6.2)
This category includes materials containing pathogenic microorganisms such as SARS-CoV-2, rabies virus, or HIV, along with medical waste. These substances pose significant infection risks and require stringent transport controls.
Common UN numbers for Class 6 materials include:
- UN2810: Organic toxic liquid, not otherwise specified
- UN2811: Organic toxic solid, not otherwise specified
Booking Documentation Requirements (10-15 Days Advance Notice)
- Booking request form: Complete details including shipper, consignee, notifying party, product description, quantity, net/gross weight, volume, and packaging type.
- English MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Must contain all 16 sections, with Section 14 clearly specifying UN number and hazard class.
- Dangerous goods packaging certificates: Scanned copies suffice for booking, but original documents are required for formal declarations.
Container Loading Precautions
Common packaging for Class 6 hazardous materials includes steel drums, plastic woven waterproof bags, fiberboard drums, cartons, and flexible intermediate bulk containers. Critical loading considerations:
- Thoroughly inspect all packaging for leaks or damage prior to loading
- Ensure proper ventilation of storage areas, containers, and enclosed vehicles before entry
- Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact
- Implement worker rotation for prolonged operations to minimize exposure risks
Customs Clearance Key Points
Standard documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, etc.) must be accompanied by:
- Verification of any special regulatory controls or export restrictions
- Proper timing coordination with customs clearance windows
Successful export of Class 6 dangerous goods requires meticulous preparation and professional execution at every stage — from initial documentation through final customs clearance. Understanding these requirements helps ensure compliant and efficient international shipments of these regulated materials.