Shipping CIJ Inks Internationally: MSDS, DG Cargo, and Customs Regulations Part I

CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) inks typically contain organic solvents, dyes/pigments, and additives; the majority are classified as flammable liquids—a category of hazardous materials. Consequently, their international transport requires strict adherence to MSDS management protocols, hazardous cargo shipping regulations, and the customs laws of various nations. The specific requirements are outlined below:

I. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) Requirements

1. Preparation Standards

International Standards: Must comply with the requirements of the UN GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals), the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), and the IATA DGR (IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations). Exports to the European Union must comply with REACH regulations, while exports to the United States must comply with OSHA standards.

Domestic Standards: Must comply with the Guideline for the Preparation of Safety Data Sheet for Chemicals (GB/T 16483-2008), which comprises 16 mandatory sections:

Product and Company Identification

Composition/Information on Ingredients (must list the CAS number and concentration percentage for all ingredients)

Hazards Identification (Physical Hazards, Health Hazards, Environmental Hazards)

First-Aid Measures

Fire-Fighting Measures

Accidental Release Measures

Handling and Storage

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Physical and Chemical Properties (Key parameters such as flash point, pH value, VOC content, boiling point, etc.)

Stability and Reactivity

Toxicological Information

Ecological Information

Disposal Considerations

Transport Information

Regulatory Information

Other Information

2. Compliance Requirements

Language Requirements: Both Chinese and English versions must be provided; for exports to specific countries, a version in the local official language is also required.

Validity: MSDSs must be updated periodically; they must be re-authored whenever there are changes to ingredients or updates to regulations.

Preparation Entity: Preparation may be undertaken internally by the enterprise itself or outsourced to a third-party agency holding CMA/CNAS accreditation. The cost is approximately 80-110USD per document, with a preparation turnaround time of 3–5 business days.

II. Classification of Dangerous Goods and Freight Requirements

1. Determination of Hazardous Properties

The transport classification of CIJ ink must be determined through a "Certificate of Identification for Transport Conditions of Goods" issued by a third-party agency

2. Transportation Mode Requirements

(1) Sea Freight (Most Common)

Applicable Regulations: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code; currently the latest is Amendment 42-24)

Documentation Requirements:

MSDS Report (must clearly indicate UN Number, Hazard Class, and Packing Group)

Identification and Classification Report for Air/Sea Transport of Goods issued by a CMA/CNAS-accredited institution (valid for 1 year)

Dangerous Goods Packaging Performance and Use Certificate (commonly known as the "Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate," issued by local Customs or Commodity Inspection authorities)

Dangerous Goods Declaration (in both Chinese and English) and Sea Freight Forwarding Instruction (must clearly indicate the Hazard Class and UN Number)

Packaging Requirements:

Must utilize UN-certified, leak-proof, and sealed packaging; the packaging must clearly display the UN Number, Hazard Labels, and GHS Pictograms

Individual package capacity must not exceed the regulatory limits (e.g., for Packing Group III liquids, the maximum capacity is 25L per container)

Outer cartons must be reinforced and affixed with handling labels such as "This Side Up" and "Keep Dry"

(2) Air Freight

Applicable Regulations: IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations); standards are stricter than those for sea freight

Special Requirements:

Flammable liquids with a flash point < 23°C are prohibited from being transported as general cargo; they must be booked as dangerous goods cargo

Small packages (≤ 100ml) may qualify for transport exemptions under "Excepted Quantities" or "Limited Quantities" provisions; while a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate is not required, the corresponding labels/markings must be displayed

An additional Identification and Classification Report for Air Transport must be provided; each report is valid for only a single specific flight

(3) Land Transport (Cross-border Rail/Road)

Applicable Regulations: European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR); Rules for Road Transport of Dangerous Goods (JT/T 617)

Requirements are fundamentally consistent with those for sea freight; it is mandatory to select a carrier that possesses the requisite qualifications for transporting dangerous goods