Statistics from international freight service providers show that hundreds of millions of tons of chemical products circulate globally via sea transportation every year, among which dangerous goods account for roughly 30%. Every safe delivery relies on precise control over the whole logistics process.

For chemical and hazardous materials, international logistics is far more complex than the simple "booking-shipping" workflow for general cargo. It forms a specialized, interconnected system subject to strict international regulations, with safety and compliance running through every link.

Core Workflow

Inquiry & Order Receipt → Goods Preparation & Documentation → Export Booking & Customs Declaration → International Ocean Freight → Destination Port Customs Clearance → Final Pickup & Delivery

1. Initiation Stage: Inquiry, Order Receipt & Cargo Preparation

The core of this stage lies in accurate, transparent information and pre-compliance documentation, laying the foundation for all subsequent procedures.

1.1 Inquiry and Order Confirmation

Core operation: The shipper submits full cargo details to the freight forwarder.

Special requirements for chemical products: The full commodity name, UN number and hazard classification must be declared clearly, which is the starting point of all compliance operations.

Mandatory documents: MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), Cargo Transport Condition Identification Report. For dangerous goods, a Certificate of Inspection for Packaging of Export Dangerous Goods (commonly known as Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate) is also required. If tank containers are used for transportation, a valid Tank Container Inspection Certificate shall be provided to verify that the tank is clean, safe and suitable for loading the designated goods.

1.2 Cargo Preparation

Packaging: Packages must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and destination country standards, fully affixed with hazard labels and marks (including UN numbers and proper shipping names).

Packaging marking: Approved manufacturer codes and batch numbers shall be embossed or marked on packaging containers for full traceability.

2. Export Operation: Booking, Stuffing & Customs Clearance

This stage features tight schedules and closely connected links, demanding high operational precision.

2.1 Booking

Core operation: The freight forwarder submits booking instructions to the carrier, and receives booking confirmation / space allocation (including vessel name, voyage number and bill of lading number) upon approval.

Special reminder: Dangerous goods booking undergoes stricter review with longer lead times, so advance planning is required.

2.2 Container Stuffing

Two mainstream modes:

• Door-to-door: Trucks deliver empty containers to the factory for direct loading.
• Warehouse stuffing: The shipper transports goods to the forwarder’s warehouse for container loading.

Follow-up: After stuffing, full containers are returned to designated terminal yards.

2.3 Export Customs Declaration

Core operation: Submit a full set of customs documents to customs authorities.

Core document list: Customs declaration form, commercial contract, commercial invoice, packing list, electronic customs authorization letter, plus all relevant regulatory permits and certificates.

2.4 Dangerous Goods Declaration

Core operation: Special dangerous goods transport declaration must be submitted to maritime authorities and carriers prior to vessel loading to obtain loading approval.

Core document list: Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate / Tank Certificate, transport identification report, MSDS, dangerous goods declaration form.

3. International Shipment & Import Customs Clearance

After cargo departs the port, the bill of lading becomes the core title document, while destination country regulations take priority.

3.1 International Ocean Freight

Main transport mode: Ocean shipping is the primary choice for bulk chemicals thanks to its large capacity and low cost.

Key document: Bill of Lading. Double-check all details and confirm the issuance method (Original B/L, Telex Release or Sea Waybill).

3.2 Destination Port Customs Clearance

Core operation: The consignee or its agent submits import declarations to customs at the destination.

Document preparation: Prepare all documents required by destination customs, generally including bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, MDGF, etc.

Critical note: Import regulations for chemicals (especially hazardous goods) vary drastically across countries (e.g. EU REACH Regulation, GCC Certification for Middle East markets). Relevant certifications must be verified and prepared well in advance.

4. Final Stage: Cargo Pickup & Last-Mile Delivery

This is the final link to realize door-to-door service, where local professional support and full-process compliance are indispensable.

4.1 Cargo Pickup at Destination Port

Document exchange: The consignee exchanges the original bill of lading or telex release voucher for a delivery order at designated offices of the carrier or its agent.

Container collection: Entrust local trucking fleets to pick up containers from terminals or yards with the delivery order.

On-site inspection: Inspect container seals and check for visible damage or leakage upon pickup. If abnormalities are found, take photos for evidence and submit written objections to terminals or carriers immediately to clarify liability.

4.2 Last-Mile Delivery & Handover

Domestic inland transport: Arrange local trucks or rail transport to deliver containers to the consignee’s factory.

Unloading & empty container return: Supervise safe unloading upon arrival, then return clean empty containers to designated depots on schedule to avoid detention charges.

Sign-off & document filing: Collect signed delivery receipts and archive all shipping documents, marking the full closure of this logistics shipment.

5. Key Summary & Inspection Checklist

Refer to the checklist below to guarantee smooth operation:

Pre-Shipment

• Complete and accurate MSDS and cargo transport identification reports ready?
• Hazardous goods packaging compliant, with full valid packaging certificates?
• All cargo labels and shipping marks correctly and firmly affixed?

During Shipment

• Full cargo hazard attributes declared to carriers during booking?
• All customs documents complete and error-free?
• Bill of lading information fully verified?

Prior to Arrival

• All required certifications and clearance documents for destination port prepared in advance?
• Pickup and delivery schedules confirmed with destination agents or consignees?

The global transportation of chemical products relies on precise collaboration, professional compliance and technological innovation. Mastering and controlling every core node is the cornerstone for safe, efficient delivery of goods worldwide.