The export of dangerous goods is a highly regulated and specialized sector. Even minor errors in compliance may lead to export delays, re-inspections, unexpected handling fees, shipping refusals, or regulatory penalties. To help industry stakeholders better understand the compliance process, this article provides a structured overview of the five core certificates and documents required for the export of dangerous goods:
-
Classification Test Report
-
Package Use Certificate
-
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
-
IMDG Code Compliance Declaration
-
Packaging Performance Test Report
These documents collectively form the essential compliance chain for the safe and lawful export of dangerous goods via ocean freight.
1. Classification Test Report
Definition
The Classification Test Report is issued by an authorized and accredited testing authority (often the Customs Technical Centers in China). Based on laboratory testing and international standards such as the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, it determines whether a substance or product is classified as dangerous goods and confirms its hazard class, division, UN number, proper shipping name, and packing group.
Core Purpose
It serves as the “legal identity file” of the product’s hazardous characteristics.
Key Function in Export Logistics
This report is the foundation of the entire dangerous goods compliance process. All subsequent documents—including MSDS transport information, packaging decisions, hazard labeling, marking, and emergency response measures—are based on its classification.
2. Package Use Certificate (a.k.a. “Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate”)
Definition
Issued by Customs (formerly CIQ) or its designated inspection body, this certificate applies to a specific export batch. It confirms that the goods have been correctly packed into certified packaging and that the final packaging units are compliant, clearly marked, sealed, and in proper condition for safe transport.
Core Purpose
It is a “batch-specific usage certificate” that links directly to the actual goods and packaging operation.
Key Function in Export Logistics
The Package Use Certificate is mandatory for Customs clearance and dangerous goods booking with carriers. It serves as direct proof that “this shipment has been properly packed.”
3. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Definition
The MSDS provides comprehensive information on a chemical substance or mixture across its life cycle—covering physical and chemical properties, health hazards, environmental hazards, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal requirements. It typically follows the globally standardized 16-section GHS format.
Core Purpose
The MSDS is an information transmission document rather than a government-issued certificate. Although not issued by regulators, its accuracy is legally binding on the supplier or manufacturer that compiles it.
Key Function in Export Logistics
Customers, freight forwarders, and carriers rely on the MSDS to verify hazards and ensure that the classification aligns with the Classification Test Report.
4. IMDG Code Compliance Declaration
Definition
This is a declaration issued by the shipper (or their authorized agent) confirming that the shipment meets the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, including marking, labeling, packaging, and segregation. It can be issued in various forms, such as a standalone compliance statement or a carrier-required Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD).
Core Purpose
It represents a formal assurance of compliance made to the carrier.
Key Function in Export Logistics
The declaration is a prerequisite for carriers to accept bookings and load dangerous goods on board. It consolidates information from previous documents (Classification Test Report, MSDS, and Package Use Certificate) and translates them into shipper responsibility under IMDG Code rules.
5. Packaging Performance Test Report
Definition
Issued by accredited laboratories, this report certifies that a specific packaging design (e.g., drum, carton, tank or container) meets international performance standards—such as drop tests, stacking tests, and leakage resistance. It verifies the strength and durability of the packaging material under transport conditions.
Core Purpose
It is a “type approval certificate” for packaging designs rather than for goods.
Key Function in Export Logistics
A valid Packaging Performance Test Report is required before applying for the Package Use Certificate. In practice, compliant packaging must first be validated before it can legally be used for dangerous goods export.
Full Compliance Chain Overview
The five documents form an integrated compliance chain:
-
Classification Report identifies what the dangerous goods are.
-
MSDS provides comprehensive safety information on how to handle and manage them.
-
Packaging Performance Test Report confirms what packaging design is qualified.
-
Package Use Certificate confirms that this shipment has been properly packed.
-
IMDG Compliance Declaration assures the carrier that the shipment fully complies with maritime regulations.
Only when all five components are aligned can a dangerous goods shipment be safely and lawfully exported without regulatory or operational risk.
Closing Remarks
Dangerous goods export compliance is not merely a matter of documentation—it is a risk control system that spans laboratory testing, regulatory classification, packaging validation, and maritime transport compliance. Understanding these documents helps shippers, freight forwarders, carriers, and customers cooperate more efficiently, reduce operational friction, and safeguard international transport safety.
