A guide to shipping chemicals internationally

Shipping chemicals internationally is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution, especially in countries like Singapore, where chemical exports play a significant role in the economy. Ensuring chemical safety, complying with storage and transportation regulations, and working with reliable shipping partners are essential aspects businesses in this field must consider if they want to thrive in global markets.

Fulfilling basic chemical safety when shipping chemicals overseas

Chemicals are hazardous materials that can cause significant harm to people and the environment if not handled properly. Local regulations in Singapore and other countries outline clear requirements for chemical storage, transportation, and disposal. As a business owner looking to ship chemical products overseas, it is your responsibility to comply with these regulations to always maintain basic chemical safety.

When shipping chemicals internationally, it's also essential to consider the type of chemical, its properties, and the mode of transport to be used. For instance, corrosive substances require special packaging, such as polyethylene drums, to avoid damage to the container during transportation. Flammable substances, on the other hand, require proper ventilation to avoid the build-up of dangerous fumes in transit. Failure to follow these basic guidelines can lead to accidents, environmental damage, and legal penalties.

Abiding by shipping regulations for sensitive exports

Following international regulations for sensitive exports can also help ensure chemical safety during transportation. The most important regulations in this regard include the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. 

The IMDG Code covers the transportation of dangerous goods by sea, while ADR governs the transportation of dangerous goods by road. The IATA regulations, on the other hand, cover the transportation of dangerous goods by air. These regulations clearly outline the requirements for packaging, labelling, documentation, and handling of dangerous chemical exports, and must be strictly abided by when shipping chemicals internationally.

Practising appropriate packaging and labelling for chemical goods

Proper packaging and labelling are also critical elements of maintaining chemical safety when exporting chemical products from your warehouse, lab, or otherwise. Your packaging must be designed to protect the chemicals from damage and leakage, while meeting the storage requirements of Singapore and your good’s destination. Chemical packaging bags, drums, and containers are some of the most commonly used chemical packaging. 

Your labelling needs to also be clear and comply with chemical labelling regulations. Businesses looking to ship chemicals overseas must provide essential information on their package’s contents, hazards, and handling instructions. Labels for chemical products must include the appropriate UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group. It should also provide additional information, such as emergency contact details, to ensure that the proper authorities can respond quickly in emergency cases.

Choosing a reliable shipping partner when sending chemicals internationally

Finally, choosing a reliable shipping partner is crucial to ensure the utmost chemical safety and uncompromising compliance with local and international regulations alike. When choosing a shipping partner, consider factors such as experience, expertise, reputation, and services offered. A reliable logistics partner should have a proven track record of shipping dangerous goods, and be familiar with regulations surrounding chemical transportation.

DHL Express, for one, has extensive experience in handling dangerous chemical products, and is fully equipped to handle chemical shipments safely and efficiently. We offer a range of curated services, to ensure that your shipments arrive at their destination safely and on time.

Choose DHL Express when shipping chemicals internationally