Packaging Goods for Shipping: Sea and Air (Including Hazardous Materials)

Your goods must be properly packaged and labeled before shipped. They must also meet certain packaging requirements to ensure that they are delivered safely to their destinations. Here are some ways you can help yourself with consignment packaging;

General Packaging Guidelines

1. Choose Durable Packaging:

   • Use strong, corrugated boxes, wooden crates, or metal containers.

2. Internal Protection:

   • Cushion items with bubble wrap, foam, air pillows, or packing peanuts.

   • Secure fragile items with dividers or protective corners.

3. Seal the Packaging Securely:

   • Use high-quality packing tape on all edges and seams.

4. Clear Labeling:

   • Include recipient and sender details, handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Side Up”), and shipping marks.

5. Palletized Goods:

   • Ensure goods are strapped and shrink-wrapped securely to pallets.

Specific Guidelines for Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)

1. Comply with Regulations:

   • Follow the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for sea shipping.

   • Adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air shipments.

2. Use UN-Approved Packaging:

   • Ensure packaging is certified for the type of hazardous material (e.g., UN 4G boxes or UN 1A1 drums).

3. Label and Mark Properly:

   • Display the correct hazard class labels (e.g., flammable, corrosive).

   • Include the UN number, proper shipping name, and emergency contact details.

4. Documentation:

   • Provide a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) with the shipment.

   • Include Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the product.

5. Inner Packaging for Liquids or Gases:

   • Use leak-proof inner packaging to prevent spills or leaks.

   • Add absorbent material to contain any accidental leaks.

Specific Guidelines for Sea Shipping

1. Waterproof Protection:

   • Line boxes or crates with plastic sheets or use moisture-resistant wrapping.

   • Use desiccant packs to prevent damage from humidity.

2. Stackability:

   • Package goods in uniform shapes for easier stacking in shipping containers.

3. Segregation of Hazardous Materials:

   • Ensure incompatible hazardous materials are separated as per IMDG guidelines.

Specific Guidelines for Air Shipping

1. Lightweight Packaging:

   • Minimize weight without compromising protection to reduce air freight costs.

2. Pressure-Sensitive Items:

   • Use pressure-resistant containers for liquids or gases.

   • Ensure compliance with cabin pressure regulations for air freight.

3. Hazardous Goods in Limited Quantities:

   • Follow Excepted Quantities or Limited Quantities packaging rules for smaller shipments.

4. Labeling and Declarations:

   • Clearly label hazardous goods and provide a detailed Dangerous Goods Declaration.

Helpful Resources:

For more information on packaging hazardous and non-hazardous goods, visit:

• British International Freight Association (BIFA): https://www.bifa.org/

• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations: https://www.iata.org/

Checklist Before Shipping:

1. Confirm goods are packaged according to the relevant sea or air regulations.

2. Check that hazardous goods are correctly labeled and documented.

3. Verify that all safety measures are in place for handling and transport.

By following these guidelines and consulting trusted resources like BIFA or IATA, you can ensure safe and compliant shipping for sea and air freight, including hazardous materials.