Importing and exporting dangerous goods: what you need to know and how to comply
Importing and exporting dangerous goods (DG) is a logistics process that needs extra care, because these goods have chemical or physical properties that can harm people, property and the environment if handled incorrectly. Transport and customs clearance of dangerous goods are therefore strictly regulated by international laws and rules.
Types of dangerous goods by UN class
Dangerous goods are classified internationally according to the United Nations classification, which has 9 main classes so that storage, packing and transport are safe:
- Class 1 Explosives: substances or articles with an explosion hazard
- Class 2 Gases: flammable gases, non-flammable non-toxic gases and toxic gases
- Class 3 Flammable liquids: liquids with a low flash point, such as fuels or solvents
- Class 4 Flammable solids: solids that ignite spontaneously or give off flammable gas in contact with water
- Class 5 Oxidizing substances & organic peroxides: substances that accelerate combustion
- Class 6 Toxic & infectious substances: substances harmful to health if inhaled, touched or swallowed
- Class 7 Radioactive material: materials that emit radiation above set levels
- Class 8 Corrosive substances: substances that destroy tissue or corrode metal
- Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances: other hazards not covered above, such as lithium batteries
Regulating agencies and requirements in Thailand
To import or export dangerous goods through Thailand, businesses must comply with the Hazardous Substance Act and the rules of the responsible agencies. Permits or notifications of possession must be checked case by case depending on the type of chemical. The main agencies include:
- Department of Industrial Works: controls industrial hazardous substances and chemical registration
- Department of Agriculture: controls agricultural hazardous substances such as chemical fertilisers and pesticides
- Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA): controls hazardous substances used in households or public health
- Customs Department: checks declarations and permits from the relevant agencies before release
Key documents to prepare for dangerous goods
Complete and correct documents are the most important step in shipping dangerous goods, to avoid delays and detention at customs. The basic documents are:
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): the 16-section chemical safety document showing composition, hazards and emergency measures
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): the dangerous goods transport declaration for the airline or shipping line
- UN packaging certificate: certification that the packaging has passed UN standard tests for dangerous goods
- Import/export permit: approval from the relevant regulating agency (such as a notification of possession or a case-specific permit)
- General transport documents: such as the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB)
Standard process for importing and exporting dangerous goods
Handling dangerous goods follows these basic steps:
1. Check the UN class and HS code
Identify which UN class the goods fall into and check Thai government control rules before signing the sales contract.
2. Check packaging standards and labelling (UN marking & labelling)
Use UN-certified packaging, apply hazard labels and show the UN number clearly on the packaging.
3. Apply for permits with the relevant agencies
Submit permit applications through the issuing agency’s system, such as the Department of Industrial Works or the National Single Window (NSW).
4. Coordinate with the airline or shipping line
Send the SDS and DGD so the carrier can approve space booking on the vessel or aircraft.
5. Customs clearance and release
File the declaration with the complete permits attached so customs officers can check and release the goods according to the process.
Important precautions for businesses
Dangerous goods rules differ between destination countries, and airlines and shipping lines apply their own requirements with different levels of strictness. Always study the specific rules and bans of the destination country. Information in the SDS or on the packaging that does not match the actual goods can lead to detention or refusal of carriage.
For advice on documents and customs procedures for importing and exporting dangerous goods, contact KTC Global Logistics at 02-286-1967 or LINE: @ktclogistics.
