Before You Ship Household Cleaning Products from China: DG Rules, HS Codes & Customs Risks
As we approach the final quarter of 2025, many importers are rushing to secure inventory before Lunar New Year factory closures in late January. You’ve found a reliable OEM supplier, agreed on pricing for your laundry detergent or surface cleaners, and you’re ready to place your first bulk order. Then your freight forwarder asks: “Do you have the MSDS?” or “Is this considered dangerous goods?”
Suddenly, a simple year-end shipment becomes a maze of regulations, classifications, and documentation.
Here’s the reality: shipping household cleaning products from China isn’t the same as shipping general cargo. Whether you’re importing private-label dish soap, disinfectant wipes, or toilet cleaners, you need to understand the rules—or risk rejected shipments, unexpected fees, and delays that push your delivery into next year.
This guide covers everything you need to know in 2025, from dangerous goods classification to choosing the right freight method. And whether you’re preparing for year-end demand or trying to ship before the Chinese New Year slowdown, understanding these rules early will save you from costly surprises.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
Before we dive deep, here's your quick reference:
Why Shipping Cleaning Products Is Not as Simple as General Cargo
Most household cleaning products contain chemical formulations that trigger special handling requirements during international transport.
The core issue: Many cleaning products can be flammable, corrosive, or reactive under certain conditions.
Common examples:
Aerosol glass cleaner: Pressurized and contains flammable propellants
Toilet bowl cleaner with hydrochloric acid: Corrosive and can damage other cargo if it leaks
Laundry detergent pods: Concentrated liquid-filled membranes that can fall under DG rules
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations classify chemical products into nine classes. Household cleaning products most commonly fall into:
Class 3: Flammable liquids (alcohol-based cleaners, some spray products)
Class 8: Corrosive substances (acidic toilet cleaners, alkaline degreasers)
Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods (certain disinfectants)
What importers worry about most:
Will my product be classified as dangerous goods?
What if the carrier rejects my shipment at the port?
How do I know if my packaging meets UN standards?
Can I ship by air or only by sea?
What happens if my documentation is incomplete?
The consequences of mis-declaring dangerous goods are serious: Carriers can refuse to load your shipment. Customs can hold your cargo indefinitely. You face fines, destroyed inventory, and damaged relationships.
But not all cleaning products are dangerous goods. Water-based formulas, many dish soaps, and some laundry liquids are often classified as general cargo, provided they meet specific concentration thresholds. The key is knowing exactly what you're shipping.
Check our general guide for DG goods Shipping
What Types of Household Cleaning Products Can Be Shipped from China?
Chinese manufacturers produce an enormous range of household cleaning products for export. Whether you're building a private-label brand or stocking retail shelves, you'll find OEM and ODM suppliers ready to produce almost any formula you need.
Common Categories
Laundry care products:
Liquid laundry detergent, powder detergent, laundry pods and capsules
Fabric softener and stain removers
MOQ typically: 2,000-10,000 pieces per SKU for liquids; 5-20 tons for powder
Dishwashing products:
Dish soap, concentrated dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets
Kitchen degreasers for commercial use
Usually ship as general cargo when water-based and non-flammable
Surface cleaners:
Multi-purpose sprays, kitchen degreasers, bathroom cleaners
Glass cleaners and floor cleaners
Available as ready-to-use sprays or concentrated refills
Disinfectant products:
Surface disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizing wipes
Disinfectant sprays and alcohol-based surface cleaners
Many fall under DG classification due to alcohol content
Specialty cleaners:
Toilet bowl cleaners (acidic or bleach-based)
Drain openers, rust and limescale removers
Oven cleaners and carpet shampoos
Often contain strong acids or alkalis requiring special handling
Product Types That Require Special Handling
Warning: The following product types require special handling:
Aerosol products are always classified as dangerous goods (pressurized containers)
High-alcohol content products (≥60% alcohol) are Class 3 flammable liquids
Corrosive cleaners with strong acids/alkalis are Class 8 corrosives
Bleach-based products may be Class 5.1 oxidizers
Concentrated formulas can push products over the DG threshold even when diluted versions are safe
Dangerous Goods (DG) Classification for Cleaning Products
Understanding DG classification is the foundation of compliant shipping. Every chemical product is evaluated based on its hazards, and if it meets certain criteria, it receives a UN number, a four-digit code that defines how it must be packaged, labeled, documented, and transported.
How to Check If Your Product Is DG
Step 1: Get the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from your manufacturer
Step 2: Go to Section 14: Transport Information
Step 3: Look for:
UN number (if listed, it's DG)
Hazard class and packing group
Limited Quantity (LQ) eligibility
If Section 14 says "Not regulated" or "Not classified as dangerous goods," you can typically ship as general cargo.
Common UN Numbers for Cleaning Products
When Your Product Becomes DG Automatically
Flash point below 60°C (140°F) results in Class 3 flammable liquid classification
pH below 2 or above 12.5 results in Class 8 corrosive classification
Any pressurized container results in Class 2 (aerosols) classification
Good news: Many products qualify for Limited Quantity (LQ) provisions, allowing reduced packaging and labeling requirements if quantities per package stay below specified thresholds. For example, liquid cleaners in retail bottles (≤1 liter) can often ship as LQ with proper LQ diamond label marking.
Shipping Methods: Which Option Fits Your Cleaning Products?
Once you understand your product classification, the next decision is how to ship: sea freight, air freight, or express courier.
Sea Freight (Recommended for Most Importers)
Full Container Load (FCL):
Best for: Multiple SKUs or large volumes
Transit time: 15-30 days to North America; 25-40 days to Europe
DG acceptance: Excellent for most classes
Cost: Lowest per unit
Less-than-Container Load (LCL):
Best for: Smaller importers or product testing
Transit time: 20-45 days (includes consolidation)
DG acceptance: Good, but not all consolidators accept DG
Cost: Moderate per unit
Air Freight
When to use:
Urgent product launches
Emergency stock replenishment
Samples for testing
Limitations:
Airlines highly restrictive on DG
Substantial surcharges (often 2-3x base rate)
Many aerosols banned from passenger aircraft
Flammable and corrosive products face tight quantity limits
Transit time: 5-10 days door-to-door
Cost: High per unit
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
Best for:
Samples under 100 kg
Non-DG products requiring speed
Emergency shipments
Limitations:
Very restrictive DG acceptance
High per-kilo costs
Strict weight limits
Transit time: 3-7 days
Cost: Highest per unit
Choosing the Right Incoterm
FOB (Free on Board): You control freight forwarder and carrier, ideal when you need a DG specialist
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier arranges ocean freight; you handle destination charges
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): All-in pricing to your warehouse; only works with forwarders who understand chemical regulations
Learn smart strategy to reduce your DG costs
Customs Clearance for Cleaning Products
Getting your cleaning products through customs smoothly requires accurate classification, complete documentation, and compliance with destination regulations.
HS Code Classification
Household cleaning products typically fall under:
Chapter 34: Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations
Chapter 38: Miscellaneous chemical products
Common codes:
Laundry detergent: HS 3402.20
Dishwashing liquid: HS 3402.20 or 3402.90
Disinfectants: HS 3402.90 or 3808.94
The HS code determines your import duty rate and triggers compliance requirements.
Required Documentation Checklist
Commercial invoice and packing list (accurate product descriptions)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in English (for all chemical products)
Dangerous Goods Declaration (IMO for sea; Shipper's Declaration for air)
Certificate of Origin (if required for preferential tariffs)
Ingredient/composition list (for EPA, REACH, or other regulatory bodies)
Product labels and compliance certificates (meeting local language and safety requirements)
Import permits or registrations (some countries require pre-registration)
Regional Compliance Requirements
Common Clearance Pitfalls to Avoid
Mis-declared dangerous goods leads to cargo rejection, fines, legal liability
Inconsistent documentation results in customs holds and inspections
Incorrect HS codes causes wrong duties paid or penalties
Non-compliant labels results in rejection at border
Pro tip: Work with a customs broker experienced in chemical imports. They know destination-specific requirements and can prepare compliant documentation before your shipment arrives.
How Gerudo Logistics Helps You Ship Cleaning Products from China
Shipping household cleaning products internationally involves technical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and logistical precision. At Gerudo Logistics, we specialize in moving chemical cargo from China to destinations worldwide.
What we do differently:
Certified DG specialists review your SDS and confirm UN classifications
Packaging verification with your Chinese suppliers before cargo leaves the factory
Accurate DG declarations that meet IMDG and IATA requirements
Customs documentation support coordinated with destination brokers
Tailored freight solutions balancing cost, speed, and compliance
Whether you're shipping full containers of laundry detergent, LCL consolidations of cleaners, or urgent air shipments, we provide end-to-end logistics support from factory gate to your warehouse.
With partnerships across China's major export hubs, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shanghai, we're positioned close to your suppliers for efficient cargo handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are household cleaning products considered dangerous goods when shipping from China?
It depends on formulation. Water-based, non-flammable cleaners are often general cargo. Products with high alcohol content, aerosols, strong acids/alkalis, or flammable solvents are dangerous goods (typically Class 3, 8, or others) requiring special handling.
What documents do I need to ship cleaning products from China?
Commercial invoice, packing list, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in English for each product. For dangerous goods, add a DG Declaration (IMO for sea, Shipper's Declaration for air), UN labels, and sometimes Certificate of Origin or composition sheets.
Which Incoterms work best for household cleaning products?
FOB gives you control over freight forwarder selection, ideal for DG cargo. CIF means your supplier arranges ocean freight. DDP works for e-commerce if your forwarder truly understands chemical regulations at destination.
Is air freight or sea freight better for cleaning products?
Sea freight is generally better for bulk orders and full product ranges, with lower costs and better DG acceptance. Air freight is faster but faces strict restrictions, high surcharges, and limited capacity. Use air for urgent shipments only.
How do I know if my product needs dangerous goods packaging?
Check Section 14 of the SDS. It specifies UN number, hazard class, and packing group if regulated. Flammable, corrosive, or oxidizing products need UN-approved packaging, proper labels, and DG documentation.
What HS codes apply to typical household cleaning products?
Most fall under HS Chapter 34 (soap and surface-active agents) or Chapter 38 (miscellaneous chemicals). Laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid often use HS 3402.20; disinfectants may use HS 3402.90 or 3808.94. Verify with your customs broker.
Can I ship private-label cleaning products directly to Amazon FBA from China?
Yes, if products and packaging meet Amazon requirements, cartons comply with carrier and DG rules, labels show correct language and barcodes, and you work with a forwarder experienced in FBA and DG shipments. Many Chinese OEMs support direct-to-FBA export.
Conclusion
Shipping household cleaning products from China is a specialized logistics process that demands attention to product classification, regulatory compliance, and proper documentation.
The stakes are high: Mis-classified dangerous goods lead to rejected shipments. Incomplete customs paperwork causes delays that can stall your entire supply chain.
The good news: With the right preparation and logistics partner, importing cleaning products becomes a reliable, repeatable process.
Your action plan:
Get the SDS for every SKU from your supplier
Check Section 14 to determine DG classification
Choose the appropriate freight method (sea for most cases)
Prepare complete documentation before shipment
Work with specialists who understand chemical cargo
Chinese manufacturers offer world-class OEM capabilities, competitive pricing, and flexible order quantities. But realizing those benefits requires a logistics strategy built on compliance and expertise.
Ready to streamline your cleaning product imports from China? Get a Free Quote for Your Cleaning Products
