Chemical shipping is an important part of the shipping market.  Chemicals mainly include organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals and vegetable oils, animal fats and other major categories.  The main types of organic chemicals are ethylene, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer, styrene monomer, ethylene glycol, cyanogen, benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether and so on, accounting for about 46 % of the shipping volume of chemicals.  The types of inorganic chemicals mainly include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc., accounting for about 15 % of the shipping volume of chemicals.  Vegetable oil and animal fat 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 carriers, other chemicals with larger volume include lubricating oil and syrup, etc. The shipping volume of lubricating oil is about 6 million tons per year, while the shipping volume of syrup is more than 7 million tons per year.  China is a big shipping country with great potential to develop chemical transportation by sea. With the rise of China's economy in the world, China's chemical transportation by sea will surely make a leap across the ages.  Here is a look at what needs to be paid attention to when shipping chemicals with you.

 Understand the basic properties of chemicals

 In order to carry out international shipping of chemicals safely, it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of some basic properties of chemicals, such as toxicity, ignition point, volatility and so on, and to specify them in relevant documents so as to facilitate operators in packing, loading, unloading and handling.

 Comply with dangerous goods transportation regulations and follow the procedures

 In the process of transporting chemicals, special attention should be paid to relevant processes and regulations.  For example, some dangerous goods must be handled in accordance with the relevant regulations on the transport of dangerous goods.  Packaging must be safe and labels must be affixed.  In the process of packing, we should try our best 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 selecting a container, it is also necessary to specially check the container.  For example, if there are any cracks, or if the door can be closed tightly, etc.  During the international transportation of chemicals, special attention should be paid to the fact that all the goods must be placed in containers, and there should be no cases where the doors cannot be closed or sealed.

 Common Problems in Chemical Shipping

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

 In general, MSDS and shipping orders should be provided. In case of dangerous goods, the packing performance certificate of dangerous goods, the appraisal report of chemical research institute and normal customs declaration materials should also be provided.

 2. Why should MSDS be provided when dangerous goods and general chemicals are exported by sea?

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

 At present, the foreign requirements for MSDS have been extended to almost all chemicals. At this point, chemicals exported to developed countries now basically require MSDS to be declared smoothly.  Moreover, some foreign buyers will request MSDS ( SDS ) of the goods, and some foreign companies or joint ventures in China will also request this.

 Information needed for export of chemicals ( not dangerous goods ):

 1. Make a chemical inspection report ( cargo transportation condition appraisal certificate ) before export to prove that this cargo is not dangerous goods.

 2, the whole box - some ships need identification documents, some ships don't.  In addition, a non-dangerous guarantee and MSDS must be issued, both of which are essential.

 3. LCL - Non - dangerous guarantee and cargo description ( name in Chinese and English, molecular structure, appearance and use ) are required.

 The chemical belongs to the information needed for the export of dangerous goods:

 1. Before export, you must make an appraisal result sheet ( dangerous package certificate ) for the transportation and packaging of dangerous goods leaving the country. Of course, MSDS is also needed.

 2. Full Container - The above two documents need to be provided for application before booking space, waiting for the shipowner's review.  Under normal circumstances, the shipowner can know whether to accept or not within 3 - 5 days.

 This product.  The booking of dangerous goods should be made 10 to 14 days in advance as far as possible to give the shipper and forwarder sufficient time.

 3. LCL - Dangerous Package Certificate, MSDS and the weight and volume of the goods are also required before booking.