During the export process of hazardous materials, the required documentation varies depending on the type of goods, category, and regulatory conditions. Hazardous materials is a broad concept that includes dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals, etc., so relevant information regarding the export of hazardous materials has been specifically organized.

The information usually required includes

• Trade contract: Includes basic information of both parties, product description, quantity, and price.
• Invoice: Details the name, specifications, quantity, and price of the goods.
• Dangerous goods list: Lists the names, categories, UN numbers, and packaging categories of dangerous goods.
• Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Provides information on hazard characteristics, safety measures, and emergency handling procedures.
• Export license: Certain dangerous goods require this document according to national regulations.
• Dangerous Goods Transport Condition Assessment Report: Determines whether the cargo is general or dangerous goods to influence transportation method selection.
• Classification assessment report: Confirms the category of goods and whether they are classified as hazardous chemicals.
• Cargo transport power of attorney: Contains information about the shipper, consignee, notifier as well as details about the cargo.
• Packaging technical specification sheet: Provides correct technical names along with physical-chemical properties and main hazards information.
• Entry-exit packaging performance inspection result sheet (Dangerous Goods Certificate): Proves that packaging meets transportation requirements.
• Packing list, invoice and other routine customs declaration documents.
• Dangerous declaration letter: Used for reporting to maritime authorities.
• Packing certificate (if needed).
• Booking authorization letter including detailed descriptions such as shipper’s and consignee’s information along with gross weight net weight and packaging form etc.
• English version MSDS.
• Scanned copy of Dangerous Goods Certificate.
• Application forms for dangerous goods from each shipping company.

Data processing agency

• Customs: Responsible for reviewing export licenses, commodity inspection certificates, and customs declaration forms, as well as conducting final inspections of goods.
• Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Department: Responsible for the packaging identification of hazardous materials and issuing dangerous goods certificates.
• Maritime Bureau: Responsible for the safety suitability declaration of hazardous materials and maritime declarations.
• Port Management Bureau: Responsible for the declaration and supervision of port operations involving hazardous materials.
• Professional freight forwarding companies: Assist enterprises in handling booking, declaration, packaging, and other procedures related to hazardous materials.

What assessments are required before exporting hazardous materials ?

Before the export of hazardous materials, a series of assessments must be conducted to ensure safety during transportation and compliance with international and destination country regulations. The following are several main types of assessments:

• Chemical Hazard Classification Identification: This identification is based on domestic and international regulations and standards, aiming to determine whether a chemical falls under the category of hazardous chemicals and to classify it accordingly.
• Goods Transportation Condition Certification: This document evaluates the safety of goods transportation according to relevant domestic and international regulations and standards for dangerous goods transport, providing recommendations applicable to various modes of transport such as air, sea, road, and rail.
• Hazardous Characteristics Classification Report: This report typically includes TDG classification and TDG+GHS classification, used for detailed descriptions of hazardous chemicals in accordance with the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” report and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling of chemicals.
• Packaging Performance Inspection and Use Certification: The packaging containers for exported dangerous goods must undergo performance inspection and use certification to ensure they can safely contain hazardous materials. This process is usually carried out by inspection quarantine agencies, accompanied by relevant certification documents.
• Goods Transportation Hazard Assessment: This assessment provides evaluations and recommendations regarding the suitability of transporting goods, ensuring compliance with requirements related to packaging, stowage, segregation, loading/unloading management, transportation conditions, and fire emergency measures.
• GHS Hazard Communication Label: According to GHS standards, hazard communication labels include signal words, pictograms, hazard statements among other information intended to convey hazard information about chemicals; these are affixed directly onto containers or outer packaging.

When conducting these assessments, companies need to prepare relevant technical materials and samples, and comply with the corresponding regulations and standards. Only after passing can the company obtain the necessary certificates and documents for handling customs declaration and transportation of hazardous materials for export.

Which agency is responsible for issuing the transportation condition assessment report during the export of hazardous materials ?

Typically, a specialized testing agency issues the transportation condition certification report for hazardous materials. These agencies possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to classify and identify hazardous materials according to international and domestic regulatory standards, and they provide relevant transportation condition certificates.