Key points
- The IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory since 1 January 2026.
- Classification comes from the SDS: UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group.
- China Customs issues DG packaging certificates; carriers and terminals ask for them.
- DG has an earlier cut-off, a surcharge and needs carrier approval for each booking.
- Undeclared DG brings heavy fines and blacklisting, and is a real fire risk at sea.
What counts as dangerous goods at sea
At sea, dangerous goods are any substances or articles listed in the IMDG Code, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code published by the IMO. The Code sorts them into 9 hazard classes and gives each one a UN number. Many everyday products from China fall into these classes: power banks, e-bikes and scooters, laptops with batteries, perfume, nail polish, paint, aerosols, adhesives and wet car batteries. The test is not whether a product feels dangerous, but whether its chemistry or energy is listed in the Code.
| Class | Hazard | Typical goods from China | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives | Fireworks, ammunition | Generally not accepted; needs special licensing |
| 2 | Gases | Aerosols, gas cylinders, lighters, refrigerant gas | Accepted by many lines with restrictions |
| 3 | Flammable liquids | Paints, inks, perfumes, adhesives, solvents | Common DG class on China to Gulf routes |
| 4 | Flammable solids | Matches, some metal powders | Limited carrier acceptance |
| 5 | Oxidisers and organic peroxides | Pool chemicals, some fertilisers | Strict segregation from other cargo |
| 6 | Toxic and infectious | Pesticides | Permits at destination are common |
| 7 | Radioactive | Rarely shipped commercially | Rarely accepted |
| 8 | Corrosives | Acids, wet car batteries, some cleaners | Accepted with leak-proof packaging |
| 9 | Miscellaneous | Lithium batteries, battery vehicles, dry ice, environmentally hazardous substances | Most frequent class for consumer goods |
Tap a card to flip it
The DG declaration and the document pack
The shipper signs the dangerous goods declaration, often on the multimodal DG form. It must show the UN number with the letters UN in front, the proper shipping name, the class, the packing group where one applies, and the number and type of packages with the total quantity. Dangerous goods are listed before any non-dangerous goods on the same document. The person signing declares that the goods are classified, packed, marked and labelled as the rules require, so it should be someone trained, not a sales assistant. A separate container packing certificate is signed by the person responsible for packing the container, confirming the goods were loaded and secured correctly.
DG document pack before you book
0/10Packaging, marks, labels and placards
Most DG must travel in UN-specification packaging: drums, jerricans, boxes or IBCs that have passed drop, stacking and leak tests for the packing group. Each tested packaging carries a UN mark code that shows its type, the packing groups it may be used for and the test standard. In China, the packaging maker obtains a performance inspection result from China Customs, and the exporter then needs the use appraisal result for the filled packages. Allow extra days for this step.
| Where | What must be shown | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Each package | UN number and proper shipping name, class hazard label (diamond, normally at least 100 mm), marine pollutant mark where it applies | Label missing on one side or wrong UN number after a product change |
| Liquid packages | Orientation arrows showing which side is up | Drums stacked on their side |
| Limited quantity packages | Limited quantity mark instead of full labels | Assuming no declaration is needed |
| Container | Placards (larger diamonds, normally at least 250 mm) on both sides and both ends; UN number and marine pollutant mark where required | Old placards left on an empty box, or placards on only one side |
| Documents | Same UN number, name, class and packing group on SDS, DG declaration, B/L and packages | SDS from a different version of the product |
Step by step: booking DG from China to the Gulf
- Classify from the SDSGet the SDS from the manufacturer and confirm UN number, class and packing group before you ask for a price.
- Ask for carrier approvalEach shipping line approves DG separately, and some refuse certain classes on certain routes. In 2026 several lines suspended DG bookings to many Gulf ports.
- Order UN packagingBuy packaging certified for the packing group and keep the maker's performance inspection result.
- Pack, mark and labelFill, close and mark the packages, then apply class labels and any marine pollutant or limited quantity marks.
- Get the packaging certificateChina Customs issues the use appraisal result (危包证) for the filled packages. Carriers and terminals usually require it.
- Submit the DG declarationFile the signed declaration before the DG document cut-off, which is earlier than the normal cut-off. Missing it means rollover to the next vessel.
- Pack the containerLoad, secure, placard the container and sign the container packing certificate. Take photos of each stage.
- Arrival and clearanceAt destination the cargo is declared as DG with its SDS. Some products need extra approvals before release.
Extra costs to budget for DG
Dangerous goods cost more at almost every stage. We never quote fixed figures here because carrier surcharges change weekly and differ by class and route, but these are the lines to expect on a DG quote. Our team quotes the all-in cost within one working day once we have the SDS.
- Standard booking and cut-off
- No packaging certificates
- Can usually travel LCL
- Normal terminal handling and storage
- DG surcharge from the carrier, sometimes an emergency DG surcharge in 2026
- UN packaging and China Customs packaging certificates
- Earlier DG cut-off and longer lead time
- Some terminals limit how long DG may wait in the port
- Possible destination permits and DG handling fees
- Never an option
- Heavy fines and blacklisting by the carrier
- Cargo can be held or destroyed
- Insurance can be void after misdeclaration
- Liability for damage to the ship and other cargo
Most goods from China pay 5% GCC duty on CIF, once, at the first GCC entry. VAT is on CIF + duty. Estimate only.
What changed in 2026
Amendment 42-24 of the IMDG Code became mandatory on 1 January 2026, so classifications and forms must follow that edition. As of November 2026, the Strait of Hormuz is closed to normal container shipping, so cargo for Jebel Ali is discharged at Khor Fakkan, Sohar or Jeddah and moved by truck or feeder. Several carriers have suspended DG bookings to many Gulf ports, and the trucking leg brings its own DG rules on the road. We check carrier acceptance, the discharge port and the road leg for every DG booking.
Test yourself
Dangerous goods by sea: quick check
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship dangerous goods by sea from China to Dubai?
Yes, as declared DG with an SDS, UN packaging, labels, a DG declaration and carrier approval. In 2026 some carriers have suspended DG to many Gulf ports, so we check acceptance first.
What documents are needed to ship dangerous goods by sea?
An SDS, a signed dangerous goods declaration, a container packing certificate, the UN packaging certificates (in China the 危包证), and for batteries a UN38.3 test summary.
What are the 9 IMDG classes?
Explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidisers and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
Can dangerous goods go LCL?
Some can, but many LCL services refuse certain classes because of segregation inside a shared container. FCL is often the practical choice.
How much extra does it cost to ship dangerous goods?
It depends on the class, the carrier and the route, and surcharges change weekly. Expect a DG surcharge, packaging and certificate costs and handling fees. Our team quotes within one working day.
What happens if I do not declare dangerous goods?
Carriers can fine, blacklist and hold or destroy the cargo, insurance can be void, and the shipper can be liable for damage. Always declare.
Sources
General information checked on the date shown. Rules and rates change: our team confirms the details for your shipment.