What is a dangerous goods certificate?
The "dangerous goods certificate" we usually refer to is the "Performance Inspection Results Form for Entry Exit Goods Packaging" and the "Identification Results Form for the Use of Export Dangerous Goods Transportation Packaging".
Why do I need to apply for a dangerous goods certificate?
Article 17 of the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that "enterprises producing packaging containers for export of dangerous goods must apply to the commodity inspection agency for performance evaluation of packaging containers. Enterprises producing and exporting dangerous goods must apply to the commodity inspection agency for use evaluation of packaging containers. Dangerous goods using packaging containers that have not been evaluated as qualified are not allowed to be exported.".
According to the requirements of the United Nations Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, lithium-ion batteries may be classified as Class 9 dangerous goods (miscellaneous hazardous substances and goods, including environmentally hazardous substances) and should be inspected and supervised for export dangerous goods packaging in accordance with the relevant requirements of the United Nations for the transport of dangerous goods, that is, the identification of the use of dangerous goods packaging.
Lithium battery explosions are not uncommon
How to apply for a dangerous goods certificate?
The inspection of packaging containers for exported dangerous goods includes performance inspection and usage appraisal.
Below, we will take lithium-ion battery packs and their commonly used packaging as an example to explain the requirements for obtaining a dangerous goods certificate.
Performance testing
The performance inspection is applied for by the export dangerous goods packaging production enterprise (which needs to obtain the export dangerous goods packaging production enterprise code).
Export dangerous goods packaging production enterprises should apply for performance inspection to the local customs and fill out the "Application Form for Outbound Goods Transport Packaging Inspection" in a standardized manner. Due to the difference in the time required for type testing of different packaging types, enterprises should apply for inspection in advance and reserve enough inspection time when applying for the "Results Form for Outbound Goods Packaging Performance Inspection".
[Online Processing Website and Guidelines]
http://online.customs.gov.cn/static/pages/index.html?guidebookUrl=/static/pages/guides/000629010003/000629010003.html&applyUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.chinaport.gov.cn%2Fdeskserver%2Fsw%2FdeskIndex%3Fmenu_id%3Ddec001&userType=0&systemType=WEB&taskCode=11100000000014154E1000629010003&flag=false
The documents submitted by enterprises can be simplified in accordance with relevant regulations such as the Announcement on the Electronicization of Inspection and Quarantine Documents (Announcement No. 90 of the General Administration of Customs in 2018).
The performance inspection of packaging containers for exported dangerous goods adopts a combination of periodic inspection and daily spot check inspection. After passing the performance inspection, within the approved periodic inspection, enterprises can apply for the "Entry Exit Goods Packaging Performance Inspection Results Form" for dangerous goods transportation packaging with the dangerous goods packaging performance inspection report and factory inspection certificate.
The validity period of the performance inspection result sheet is determined based on the material properties of the packaging container and the nature of the goods loaded, and generally does not exceed 12 months from the date of container production. If the goods are not shipped for export within the validity period and the outer packaging is in good condition, the enterprise may reapply for packaging performance inspection. After passing the inspection, they can continue to be used for export. The reissued "Packaging Performance Inspection Results Form for Entry Exit Goods" shall be calculated from the date of completion of the inspection, and the validity period shall not exceed 6 months.
Use identification
The use appraisal shall be applied for by the unit using the packaging of exported dangerous goods or the export unit (i.e. lithium battery manufacturer or exporter).
The documents submitted by enterprises can be simplified in accordance with relevant regulations such as the Announcement on the Electronicization of Inspection and Quarantine Documents (Announcement No. 90 of the General Administration of Customs in 2018).
When customs personnel carry out hazardous package use identification, they will make a qualified judgment based on the following content:
a. Is there a clear, firm, and correct UN packaging mark, batch, and dangerous goods mark printed on the packaging container.
b. The exterior of the packaging should be clean and free from residue, contamination, or leakage.
c. Wooden boxes and fiberboard boxes should be securely nailed with nails, and the nail tips should be turned upside down. The nail tips and caps should not protrude; The box should be intact and undamaged, and the box should be packed with clamps. The corrugated cardboard box should be intact, the seal should be flat and firm, and the box should be packed with tight clamps.
d. Non conductive materials should be used to separate the batteries or battery packs, as well as the upper and lower layers of stacked batteries, to prevent contact with each other.
e. Batteries should have short-circuit protection devices.
f. The electrodes of the battery shall not support the mass of other stacked batteries.
g. Special provisions in international regulations regarding the packaging of lithium batteries or lithium battery packs.
Issue the "Exit Dangerous Goods Packaging Use Appraisal Result Form" if it is determined to be qualified or the enterprise undergoes re inspection after rectification; If it is determined to be unqualified, it is not allowed to export and a Notice of Unqualified Outbound Goods shall be issued.
The validity period of the "Identification Results Form for the Use of Packaging for Outbound Dangerous Goods" is 3 months for air transportation and 1 year for other transportation methods, but it cannot exceed the validity period of the performance sheet.
Source: 12360 Customs Hotline, Customs Intelligence Department, Souhang Network