Shipping Dangerous Goods from China: Mode-Specific Checks for 2026

Paint, aerosols, chemicals, magnets and batteries can trigger dangerous-goods controls, but the correct requirements do not come from a universal checklist. They depend on the substance or article, UN classification, transport mode, quantity, packaging instruction, exemptions, route and carrier acceptance.

Current regulatory baseline

• For packaged dangerous goods by sea, the IMO identifies the IMDG Code 2024 Edition, including Amendment 42-24, as mandatory from 1 January 2026.
• For air, IATA’s current operational material is the 67th Edition of the DGR, effective 1 January 2026.
• ICAO’s 2025–2026 Technical Instructions remain the intergovernmental baseline for international air operations through 31 December 2026, subject to published addenda, corrigenda, State variations and operator variations.
• The current UN Manual of Tests and Criteria includes Rev.8 and Amendment 1. Subsection 38.3 is relevant to lithium-cell and battery types, but the exact transport provision and any exception still need to be checked.

Start with classification, not a paperwork promise

Collect the product composition, concentration, physical state, flash point where relevant, battery chemistry and configuration, watt-hour rating or lithium content, quantity per inner and outer package, and intended mode. Then identify the proper shipping name, UN number, class or division, subsidiary risk and packing group where applicable.

An SDS can be valuable evidence for substances and mixtures, but it is not proof that an article is non-dangerous and it is not universally required for every transport configuration. Likewise, a shipper’s dangerous-goods declaration is required only where the applicable modal rule calls for it; exceptions and alternative documentation exist.

Packaging, marking and documents vary

Do not assume every DG shipment needs UN-specification packaging. The applicable packing instruction, quantity limits, special provisions and limited- or excepted-quantity relief determine the packaging, tests, marks and labels. Some articles use product-specific provisions; some entries are forbidden on a given aircraft or accepted only on cargo aircraft.

For each booking, confirm:

1. the current modal rule and all applicable addenda;
2. the exact UN entry and special provisions;
3. quantity limits and packing instruction;
4. packaging performance level, marks and labels;
5. whether a declaration or other transport document is required;
6. China, transit, destination, carrier and operator variations; and
7. terminal and carrier acceptance before cargo is delivered.

Lithium batteries

Ask for the cell or battery model, chemistry, configuration, watt-hour rating or lithium content, test-summary evidence, state of charge where relevant, condition and whether it is packed alone, with equipment or contained in equipment. Do not treat “UN 38.3 passed” as the complete shipping decision: the modal provisions, packing instruction, quantity, state, recalls or damage, and carrier policy still control acceptance.

Air versus ocean

Neither mode is automatically available. An entry may be accepted under one mode and restricted or prohibited under another, and a carrier may apply a stricter variation. We therefore confirm feasibility from the exact cargo record before quoting. For lithium-specific planning, see shipping lithium batteries from China.

What to send for a review

Send the product name and use, composition or model, SDS if available, battery test summary where relevant, dimensions, net quantity per package, total quantity, photos of proposed packaging, origin city and destination. We will screen the route and identify what must be confirmed with the shipper, qualified DG preparer and carrier. Final acceptance and document requirements are shipment-specific; contact us on WhatsApp.