Essential Documents You Must Prepare for Dangerous Goods Shipping from China
Why Documentation Is Critical for Dangerous Goods Shipping from China
In the world of dangerous goods (DG) shipping from China, documentation isn't just paperwork, it's your legal shield and operational lifeline. A single missing document can trigger cargo rejection at the airport, substantial fines from regulatory authorities, or costly shipment delays that ripple through your entire supply chain.
Whether you're shipping lithium batteries, perfumes, or industrial chemicals from China, proper DG documentation serves a dual purpose: it provides the legal basis for transport while ensuring every handler along the logistics chain understands the hazards and necessary precautions.
The stakes are particularly high for China exports in 2025, as both Chinese regulatory authorities (CAAC for air, MSA for maritime) and international enforcement of IATA, IMDG, and ADR regulations have intensified. Chinese carriers and customs now conduct more rigorous pre-export compliance checks, while destination countries have adopted stricter verification protocols for hazardous materials arriving from China.
Simply put, your dangerous goods export is only as compliant as the documents that accompany it from the factory gate to the final destination.
Explore what DG categories your products belong to and what required for shipping
Essential Dangerous Goods Export Documents from China: A Complete Checklist (2025 Edition)
1. DG Declaration (Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods)
The DG declaration form is the cornerstone of all dangerous goods export paperwork from China. This document formally declares that your shipment has been properly classified, packaged, marked, and labeled according to applicable international regulations. For air transport from Chinese airports, this means the IATA Shipper's Declaration; for sea freight from Chinese ports (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, etc.), it's the IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Key information included:
UN number and proper shipping name
Class and packing group
Quantity and type of packaging
Certification that goods are properly prepared for international transport
Chinese shipper and overseas consignee details with 24-hour emergency contact
Declaration must be in English for international shipments
China-specific requirement: The DG declaration must be signed by a person who has completed IATA/IMDG dangerous goods training recognized in China. Many Chinese freight forwarders can verify training credentials.
2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) - English and Chinese Versions
The Material Safety Data Sheet provides comprehensive hazard information about the chemical substances being shipped. For exports from China, you'll typically need both English and Chinese versions of the SDS.
The SDS serves as the primary reference for emergency responders and handlers who need to understand the material's characteristics and appropriate safety measures.
Chinese manufacturers must provide SDS documents that comply with both Chinese GB/T standards and international GHS (Globally Harmonized System) requirements. The English version is mandatory for international shipments, while the Chinese version may be required by local customs and inspection authorities.
3. Commercial Invoice
While seemingly routine, the commercial invoice for DG exports from China must accurately describe the goods, their value, and must align perfectly with the DG declaration. Any discrepancy between your invoice description and your DG paperwork can raise red flags during Chinese customs clearance and at the destination.
China-specific requirements:
Invoice must include Chinese company's official stamp
Product description should match the HS code used for export declaration
Declared value must be reasonable and consistent with market prices
For dangerous goods, ensure the product description clearly indicates it's a hazardous material when required by customs
4. Packing List
The packing list provides detailed information about how goods are packaged, including the number of packages, gross and net weights, and dimensions. For dangerous goods shipping, this document must clearly indicate which packages contain hazardous materials and reference the corresponding DG declaration numbers.
5. Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L)
The transport document, whether an air waybill for air freight or bill of lading for ocean or ground transport, must include special notations indicating the shipment contains dangerous goods. The AWB or B/L must reference the DG declaration and include handling information codes specific to the hazard class.
6. UN Packaging Certificate
This critical document certifies that your packaging meets UN performance standards for the specific packing group and hazard class. The UN packaging certificate must show:
UN specification marking (e.g., UN 4G/Y150/S/22)
Test reports demonstrating compliance
Validity period (certificates typically require renewal)
Manufacturer details and authorization numbers
Different regulations apply depending on whether you're using single packaging, combination packaging, or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
Check the packaging requirement to ship perfumes or batteries.
7. Container Packing Certificate (CPC)
For ocean freight dangerous goods, the Container Packing Certificate (also called the "Container/Vehicle Packing Certificate") attests that cargo has been properly packed, secured, and segregated within the container according to IMDG Code requirements. This document confirms that incompatible dangerous goods have been properly separated and that the container is suitable for the cargo loaded.
8. Emergency Response Information
Every DG shipment must include 24-hour emergency contact information. This typically appears on the DG declaration, but multimodal shipments may require separate emergency response documents. The emergency contact must be able to provide immediate technical information about the materials, not just forwarding contact details.
9. Multimodal Transport DG Documents
When your dangerous goods move via multiple transport modes (air-to-road, sea-to-rail, etc.), you need mode-specific documentation at each handoff point. A shipment might require:
IATA DG declaration for the air segment
ADR transport document for European road transport
Rail consignment note with DG annotations for rail segments
Each document must reference the others to maintain chain of custody and regulatory compliance.
10. Export Licenses and China-Specific Permits
Certain dangerous goods require special permits or licenses beyond standard DG documentation when shipping from China. These include:
Dangerous Chemicals Export License (危险化学品出口许可证) - Required for specific chemicals listed in China's Catalogue of Dangerous Chemicals
Dual-use Items Export License - For chemicals or materials with potential dual-use applications
Explosives transport permits (extremely restricted from China)
AQSIQ/CIQ Inspection Certificate - For certain chemical products requiring pre-export inspection
Country-specific import permits (for the destination country)
Lithium Battery Transport Appraisal Report (锂电池运输鉴定书) - Mandatory for standalone lithium battery exports from China
Important: Many Chinese manufacturers and freight forwarders can assist with determining which permits are required for your specific dangerous goods export.
China-Specific Documentation Requirements and Procedures
Understanding Chinese DG Export Regulations
Exporting dangerous goods from China involves navigating both international transport regulations (IATA/IMDG) and China's domestic regulatory framework:
Key Chinese Regulatory Bodies:
CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) - Oversees air transport of dangerous goods from Chinese airports
MSA (Maritime Safety Administration) - Regulates sea transport of hazardous cargo from Chinese ports
General Administration of Customs - Controls export clearance and licensing for dangerous chemicals
AQSIQ/SAMR - Handles quality inspection and certain product certifications
Critical China-Specific Documents
1. Dangerous Goods Transport Condition Appraisal Report
This is perhaps the most crucial China-specific document that many exporters overlook. Issued by authorized Chinese testing organizations (such as CCIC, SGS China, or other accredited labs), this report:
Certifies that your product meets transport safety requirements
Provides UN classification and proper shipping name
Confirms packaging compliance
Is required by most Chinese freight forwarders and carriers before accepting DG shipments
Typically valid for one year from issue date
How to obtain: Submit product samples and technical data to an accredited testing organization in China. Processing usually takes 5-10 business days.
2. China Customs Export Declaration
For dangerous goods exports, the customs declaration process requires:
Accurate HS code classification (critical for DG items)
Proper declaration of hazard class
Supporting documents (DG declaration, SDS, invoices)
Any required export licenses or permits
Chinese company's official documentation
Common HS codes for dangerous goods exports from China:
2710.12 - Petroleum oils (Class 3)
3808.94 - Disinfectants (various classes)
8506.50 - Lithium batteries (Class 9)
3303.00 - Perfumes and toilet waters (Class 3)
3. Port DG Manifest/Declaration
Before loading onto vessels at Chinese ports, you must submit a port dangerous goods declaration to the local MSA office. This document includes:
Container numbers and seal numbers
UN numbers and hazard classes
Stowage location on vessel
Emergency contact information
Container packing certificate reference
How to Properly Prepare Dangerous Goods Export Documentation from China: A Practical Guide
Who Prepares What When Shipping from China?
Understanding documentation responsibility is crucial for DG exports from China:
Chinese Manufacturer/Supplier responsibilities:
Safety Data Sheets (both English and Chinese versions, compliant with GB/T and GHS standards)
UN packaging certificates and test reports (from Chinese packaging suppliers)
Product classification data and technical specifications
Dangerous Goods Transport Condition Appraisal Report application
Providing necessary information for customs classification
Shipper/Exporter responsibilities:
DG Declaration (must be signed by a trained person with recognized certification)
Commercial invoice with Chinese company stamp
Packing list with accurate weights and package information
Ensuring document consistency across all paperwork in both languages
Arranging Chinese export permits and licenses when required
Coordinating with Chinese freight forwarder
Chinese Freight Forwarder responsibilities:
Customs declaration processing and submission
Port DG declaration to Chinese authorities
Transport documents (AWB, B/L) with proper DG notations
Container packing certificates (for consolidated shipments)
Coordination with Chinese carriers and terminals
Translation services if needed
Verification of all China-specific documentation requirements
Partner with DG Documentation Experts
At Gerudo Logistics, we understand that dangerous goods documentation can make or break your shipment. With over a decade of experience in hazmat exports from China to global destinations. , our team of DG-certified specialists handles thousands of compliant shipments annually across air, ocean, and ground transport modes.
We don't just move your dangerous goods, we ensure every document is accurate, consistent, and ready for carrier acceptance. From Class 3 flammables like perfumes to Class 9 lithium batteries, our comprehensive documentation review process catches errors before they become costly delays. Our clients benefit from:
Pre-shipment document audits by certified DG specialists
24/7 emergency response coordination
Mode-specific compliance expertise (IATA, IMDG, ADR)
Real-time tracking with full documentation transparency
When your shipment carries both cargo and compliance risk, trust Gerudo Logistics to handle both with precision.
Key Document Details Reference for Shipping Dangerous Goods from China
Conclusion
In dangerous goods shipping, documentation isn't an administrative afterthought, it's the foundation of safe, compliant, and efficient transport. The essential DG documents outlined in this guide represent the minimum requirements for most shipments, but remember that specific products, routes, and destination countries may require additional paperwork.
The investment in proper DG documentation preparation pays dividends through:
Faster cargo acceptance and reduced shipment delays
Lower risk of fines and regulatory penalties
Improved safety for everyone in the logistics chain
Better reputation with carriers and customers
Reduced liability exposure in the event of incidents
Need help with your dangerous goods documentation? Contact us for a free initial document review and learn how our services can streamline your hazardous materials shipping process.
