Sea transport
of dangerous goods under IMDG · classes 1–9 · DGD · carrier approval
Sea transport of dangerous goods in containers under the IMDG Code — chemicals, flammable liquids, aerosols, lithium batteries, oxidisers. We verify the UN number, class and packing group, prepare the full document set and move the cargo through the carrier and port without violations.
Based on the safety data sheet (MSDS/SDS) we check the classification, file the DG request, obtain carrier and port approval, prepare the DGD and container packing certificate, and supervise segregation and marking. Incorrectly declared cargo is not accepted — this is a matter of vessel safety.
Specification
Specification · IMDG dangerous goods. Standard terms · acceptance and timing are confirmed per UN number
Contract
- Service type
- IMDG · container shipping
- Hazard classes
- 1–9 (subject to approval)
- Classification
- UN number · packing group
- Carrier approval
- before booking
- Settlement currency
- USD · CNY · RUB
Classification and acceptance
- Documents
- DGD · DG Request · MSDS · CPC
- Segregation
- per the IMDG table
- Marks and placards
- packages + 4 sides of the box
- Classification check
- against IMDG
- Port permission
- we obtain it
Transit time
- Classification & DGD
- 1–3 days
- Carrier & port approval
- 2–5 days
- Ocean leg
- 7–14 days from China
- Rail to Moscow
- + 10–14 days
Service flow
- 01
MSDS review and classification
Using the safety data sheet we check the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, marine-pollutant status and whether the goods can go by sea.
1–2 days - 02
Carrier and port approval
We file the DG request with the carrier and obtain carrier and port approval. Some classes and divisions are not accepted on every service or terminal — we pick one where the cargo is allowed.
2–5 days - 03
DGD and marking
We prepare the DGD and container packing certificate, check UN marks on the packaging and hazard labels on packages and placards on all four sides of the container.
1–2 days - 04
Stuffing with segregation
We supervise stuffing, securing and segregation of incompatible goods per the IMDG table, take photos and deliver the box to the terminal by the DG cut-off, which is usually earlier than the standard one.
1 day - 05
Sea leg and delivery
Ocean carriage, customs release and delivery in Russia: road legs under ADR (ДОПОГ), rail legs under the railway dangerous-goods rules.
per route
Problems
Wrong classification: an error in the UN number or packing group leads to loading refusal, penalties and risk to the vessel.
We check the shipper's classification against the MSDS and IMDG and do not accept incorrectly declared cargo.
Carrier refusal: some classes and divisions are not accepted on every service, and cargo gets stuck without approval.
We agree the shipment with the carrier and port before booking and choose a service where the specific class is accepted.
Segregation and marking breaches: incompatible classes side by side or missing placards lead to the container being detained in port.
We check segregation per the IMDG table, verify labels on packages and placards on the container, and record stuffing with photos.
Documents
The core document set for an IMDG shipment and customs release. Packaging must carry UN marking (UN-certified packaging) where the class requires it. The final list depends on the class, UN number and delivery term.
Incoterms
- FOB
- delivery on board; we arrange DG acceptance
- FCA
- handover to the carrier at the warehouse
- CIF
- cost, insurance and freight
- DAP
- delivered at place
Documents
- MSDS / SDS
- safety data sheet; section 14 gives transport data (UN, class, group)
- DGD
- dangerous goods declaration for sea carriage
- DG Request
- request to the carrier for DG acceptance
- CPC
- container packing certificate
- Commercial Invoice
- commercial invoice
- B/L
- bill of lading with DG particulars
FAQ
We handle classes 1–9, but every cargo is approved separately with the carrier and port. Some items — for example certain divisions of classes 1 and 7 and some substances of classes 4 and 5.2 — need special acceptance or are refused on some services. So we check acceptance before booking.
From the shipper: a safety data sheet (MSDS/SDS) for each product with section 14 completed, details of UN-marked packaging and the commercial documents. From these we prepare the DG request for the carrier, the dangerous goods declaration (DGD) and the container packing certificate.
The shipper provides the classification based on the MSDS — this is the shipper's duty under IMDG. We check it against the Code and do not accept incorrectly declared cargo: it is a matter of vessel and crew safety.
Lithium batteries are class 9: lithium-ion batteries shipped on their own go under UN3480, contained in or packed with equipment under UN3481, lithium-metal under UN3090/3091. You need an MSDS, a UN 38.3 test summary and IMDG-compliant packaging, and the shipment is pre-approved with the carrier.
Carriers charge a DG surcharge, the choice of services and terminals is narrower, cut-offs are earlier, and the road leg needs an ADR-certified haulier. The surcharge depends on the class and carrier, so we quote per UN number.
Yes. On Russian roads dangerous goods move under ADR (ДОПОГ): a driver with an ADR certificate, an equipped vehicle with orange plates and accompanying documents. For rail, the railway dangerous-goods rules apply.