The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code divides dangerous goods into nine major categories and 20 subcategories. Internationally, professional dangerous goods shipping companies refer to this as Class 9 dangerous goods. Class 9, also known as miscellaneous dangerous goods, includes all dangerous goods that do not meet the hazard characteristics of Classes 1-8 and cannot be categorized by a single, distinct hazard characteristic. These substances are generally considered low-hazard, but may exhibit certain hazards under certain conditions. Therefore, when exporting Class 9 dangerous goods by sea by full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), strictly adhere to relevant regulations and operating procedures.

Class 9 dangerous goods primarily include substances that are irritating, corrosive, toxic, or flammable, such as acids, alkalis, toxic liquids, gases, and solids. These substances are safe under normal conditions, but may become hazardous under certain conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure, or when mixed with other substances.

Class 9 dangerous goods cannot be shipped as ordinary cargo without being declared. For example, polystyrene (UN2211) can release large amounts of flammable gases in confined spaces, posing a risk of expansion and explosion. Most shipping companies require open-top containers for transport, and only a few accept polystyrene pellets in standard containers, though these have strict packaging requirements and restrictions. Furthermore, UN3257 and UN3258, substances and products transported at high temperatures, must be transported at temperatures between 100°C and 240°C. Neither shipping companies nor international dangerous goods freight forwarders will reduce their risk control simply because they are Class 9 dangerous goods.

Common Class 9 dangerous goods or products with marine polluting properties include UN3077, environmentally hazardous solid substances, and UN3082, environmentally hazardous liquid substances. These two Class 9 dangerous goods are indeed considered low-risk and can be handled by virtually any shipping company or dangerous goods freight forwarder that can handle them.

What are the main categories of Class 9 dangerous goods?
1. Substances that may be hazardous to health if inhaled as fine dust

UN2212, Asbestos, Hornblende

UN2590, Asbestos, Fibrous Serpentine

2. Substances that may emit flammable gases

UN2211, Polystyrene Beads, Expandable, May emit flammable gases

UN3314, Plastic Molding Compound, May emit flammable vapors

3. Lithium Batteries

UN3090, Lithium Metal Batteries

UN3091, Lithium Metal Batteries Contained in or Packed with Equipment Lithium metal batteries

UN3480, Lithium ion batteries

UN3481, Lithium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment

UN3536, Lithium batteries contained in cargo transport units, lithium battery energy storage cabinets, lithium battery energy storage systems

4. Capacitors

UN3499, Capacitors, double layer

UN3508, Capacitors, asymmetric

5. Lifesaving equipment

UN3268, Safety devices, electrically activated. For example, gas generators, airbags.

6. Substances and articles that may form dioxins in the event of a fire

UN2315, Polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid, and equipment or apparatus containing them, such as transformers and condensers.

UN3432, Polychlorinated biphenyls, solid

UN3151, Polyhalogenated biphenyls, liquid, or monomethyl halogenated diphenylmethane, liquid, or polyhalogenated terphenyls, liquid, and equipment or apparatus containing them, such as transformers and condensers.

UN3152, Polyhalogenated biphenyls, solid, or monomethyldiphenylmethane halide, solid, or polyhalogenated terphenyls, solid

7. Substances transported or offered for transport at elevated temperatures

UN3257, High-temperature liquids, not otherwise specified, at a temperature equal to or greater than 100°C and below their flash point (including molten metals, molten salts, etc.)

UN3258, High-temperature solids, not otherwise specified, at a temperature equal to or greater than 240°C

8. Environmentally hazardous substances

UN3077, Environmentally hazardous solids, not otherwise specified
UN3082, Environmentally Hazardous Liquid Substances, Not Specified

9. Genetically Modified Microorganisms and Genetically Modified Organisms

UN3245, Genetically Modified Microorganisms or Genetically Modified Organisms

10. Ammonium Nitrate-Based Fertilizers

UN2071, Ammonium Nitrate-Based Fertilizers

11. Other Substances and Articles That Present a Hazard During Transport but Do Not Meet the Definitions of Other Classifications

UN1841, Acetaldehyde Ammonia

UN1845, Carbon Dioxide, Solid (Dry Ice)

UN1931, Zinc Hydrosulfite (Zinc bisulfite)

UN1941 Dibromodifluoromethane

UN1990 Benzaldehyde

UN2216 Fishmeal, stabilized

UN2807 Magnetized material

UN2969 Castor beans, castor meal, castor flakes

UN3166 Flammable gas-powered vehicles, flammable solid-powered vehicles, fuel cell vehicles

UN3171 Battery-powered equipment or vehicles

UN3316 Chemical or first aid kits

UN3334 Air transport Regulated liquids, not otherwise specified

UN3335, Air transport regulated solids, not otherwise specified

UN3359, Fumigated cargo transport units

UN3363, Dangerous goods in machinery or dangerous goods in instruments

UN3509, Waste packaging, empty, uncleaned

UN3530, Internal combustion engines or machinery driven by internal combustion engines

UN3548, Articles containing miscellaneous dangerous goods, not otherwise specified

What precautions should be taken when shipping Class 9 dangerous goods by sea in full container loads (FCLs)?

Understand the nature of the cargo. Before loading Class 9 dangerous goods, it is important to understand the chemical properties, hazard level, and emergency response procedures.

Proper packaging. According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, Class 9 dangerous goods must be packaged in approved containers and labeled with the appropriate dangerous goods label.

Proper segregation. During the FCL consolidation process, ensure that goods of different natures are properly segregated to prevent interactions or hazards.

Be prepared for emergencies. During transportation, it's essential to prepare for unexpected emergencies or seek assistance from a professional international freight forwarder.

Common Class 9 dangerous goods on the market include environmentally hazardous substances (UN3077 and UN3082), lithium batteries and lithium battery equipment vehicles (UN3480/UN3481/UN3171), and life-saving equipment (UN3268). These Class 9 dangerous goods are versatile and can be mixed with other dangerous goods categories. Furthermore, because these dangerous goods are relatively simple and pose a low risk, any shipping company that can handle dangerous goods can handle them, and shipping companies quickly approve Class 9 dangerous goods shipments. Therefore, shipping these common Class 9 dangerous goods is very simple for professional freight forwarders. All they need to provide is a letter of authorization, an English MSDS, and a Dangerous Goods Package Certificate/Classification Society. This certificate/Classification Society requirement is not required if the quantity limit is met.

Difficulties and Considerations in Exporting Class 9 Dangerous Goods by Sea by Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL)
Due to the unique nature of Class 9 dangerous goods, numerous precautions are required during sea transportation, including storage, packaging, and transportation. Furthermore, due to varying laws and regulations across countries and regions, a wide range of regulations must be adhered to during export.

First, ensure that the nature and quantity of the goods comply with relevant regulations. Second, choose experienced international freight forwarders and shipping companies for dangerous goods logistics. Finally, ensure the safety of the goods and the rationality of the transportation route.

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