Chemical ocean shipping is an important part of the shipping market. In addition to conventional dry bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo, chemicals have stricter transportation requirements because of their many categories and the hazardous nature of some cargo. This article explains the main categories and proportions of chemical ocean shipping, the basic properties that need to be understood, the dangerous goods transportation procedures that should be followed, and the documentation required for FCL/LCL export. For the hazard level of chemicals, please refer to Dangerous Goods Classification: Classification Standards for the Nine Major Categories of Dangerous Goods; for the loading requirements of dangerous goods in containers, see Loading of Dangerous Goods in Container Shipping.
I. Main Categories of Chemicals in Maritime Transport
Chemicals mainly fall into three major categories: organic chemical products, inorganic chemical products, and vegetable oils and animal fats. Among them, organic chemical products mainly include ethylene, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride monomer, styrene monomer, ethylene glycol, acetonitrile, benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether, etc., accounting for more than 40% of the chemical maritime shipping volume; inorganic chemical products mainly include phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc., accounting for about 20% of the total; vegetable oils and animal fats account for about one quarter. In addition to cargoes that must be carried by chemical tankers, other chemicals with relatively large shipping volumes include lubricating oil, syrup, etc. The maritime shipping volumes of these categories are also considerable, and they are mostly transported in specialized tank containers or container flexitanks, among other methods.
II. Understanding the Basic Properties of Chemicals
To carry out safe ocean shipping of chemicals, a full understanding of the basic properties of chemicals is required, such as toxicity, ignition point, flash point, volatility, corrosiveness, etc., and these must be specifically noted in the relevant documents, so as to facilitate operators in container packing, loading and unloading, and handling, and also enable the carrier to assess transportation risks and arrange suitable container types and shipping space.
III. Comply with Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations and Operate According to Procedures
When transporting chemicals, special attention should be paid to the relevant procedures and regulations. All cargo classified as dangerous goods must be handled in accordance with the relevant regulations for the transport of dangerous goods: packaging must be secure, and labels must be complete. During container loading, open flames and high temperatures should be avoided as much as possible to prevent chemicals from exploding or volatilizing and to ensure personnel safety and health.
When selecting a container, a special inspection should also be carried out: whether there are cracks, whether the container doors can be closed tightly, and whether the seal is good. All chemicals must be placed inside the container, and there must be no situation where the container doors cannot be closed or sealed, so as to avoid leakage during transportation.
IV. Documentation for FCL and LCL Exports
Required documents for exporting chemicals (not classified as dangerous goods):
1. Before export, a "Certificate for Cargo Transport Conditions" (chemical testing report) must be obtained to prove that the goods are not dangerous goods; 2. FCL—in principle, an MSDS and a non-dangerous goods guarantee letter must be provided (some shipping lines may require the appraisal certificate); 3. LCL—a non-dangerous goods guarantee letter and a cargo description (product name in Chinese and English, appearance, use, etc.) must be provided.
Required documents for exporting chemicals that are dangerous goods:
1. Before export, a "Result Certificate of Packaging Use Appraisal for Outbound Dangerous Goods Transport" (dangerous goods packaging certificate) must be obtained, and the MSDS must be prepared; 2. FCL—before booking, the above documents must be submitted to the shipping line for review. It generally takes several days to confirm whether the shipment will be accepted. For dangerous goods bookings, it is recommended to book as early as possible to leave sufficient time for both the shipper and the freight forwarder; 3. LCL—before booking, the dangerous goods packaging certificate, MSDS, and the weight and volume of the cargo must be provided.
Data notes: Documentation and review requirements vary depending on the shipping line, destination port, and properties of the chemicals. Please refer to the carrier's confirmation for the specific booking; MSDS/SDS have become chemical documents commonly required in major markets such as Europe and the United States.
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chemical Ocean Shipping
Q: What supporting documents are required for exporting chemicals by sea?
A: Generally, an MSDS (/SDS) and an ocean shipping authorization/booking form are required; for dangerous goods, a dangerous goods packaging performance certificate, an outbound dangerous goods transport packaging use appraisal result sheet (dangerous goods packaging certificate), a chemical research institute appraisal report, and standard customs declaration documents are also required. Non-dangerous chemical products generally require a transport conditions appraisal certificate and a non-dangerous goods guarantee letter.
Q: Why is an MSDS often required for chemical ocean shipping?
A: The MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) conveys chemical hazard information, explains hazards to human health and the environment, and provides safe handling, storage, and use methods. Markets such as Europe, the United States, and Japan generally require manufacturers of hazardous chemicals to attach an MSDS when selling, transporting, or exporting; chemicals exported to developed countries basically all require one for smooth customs clearance, and some domestic buyers also request it.
📖 Further Reading: Dangerous Goods Container Transport: IMDG Code, Markings and Placards, and Declaration Requirements; Loading of Dangerous Goods in Container Ocean Shipping—Rules and Checklist for Loading Dangerous Goods; Special Cargo Ocean Shipping: Guide to Dangerous Goods, Over-Sized Cargo, and Refrigerated Cargo—An overall guide to special cargo.
Need to arrange chemical ocean shipping? Bofeng Logistics can help verify chemical properties and documentation requirements, arrange FCL/LCL shipment, and communicate with the carrier for review. Submit an inquiry online, or call 13075678958 for consultation.
Contact Information: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
Disclaimer: This article was compiled and written by the Bofeng Logistics team, and its content was verified in 2026-09. Documentation, review, and transportation requirements for chemical ocean shipping change with dangerous goods regulations and shipping line policies; please refer to the carrier's confirmation for the specific booking.
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