5 Tips on Shipping Dangerous Goods Internationally
If you’re shipping dangerous goods, you need to take extra precautions to be safe and to abide by regulations set forth by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other agencies.
After all, you don’t want your goods tied up in customs for no good reason. You also don’t want to be caught on the wrong side of the law.
It’s not always straightforward, but these 5 tips will help make shipping dangerous goods as smooth as possible.
1. Make Sure It’s Legal
There may be substances which cannot be shipped legally to the destination country, except under strict conditions.
For example, there might be restrictions on the amount of material you can ship. You may also need licenses to comply with laws surrounding these goods.
2. Look Into Your Carrier’s Restrictions
Do your research and distinguish which shipping companies will handle dangerous goods. There is a number that does not.
For instance, many companies won’t handle certain explosive goods and hazardous waste, such as used medical supplies or toxic gases. You need to look into a specialist with experience in clearing and shipping dangerous goods.
3. Pack Well
It goes without saying – dangerous goods need to have extra precautions taken during shipping.
That begins with the packaging process. There are benefits to using a licensed and regulated organization to do this for you.
Your goods not only shouldn’t be able to shift around within their container during transit but must meet other requirements known and followed by trained shipping personnel. It’s their job to stay current on the latest trends and events in specific industries.
4. Ship Everything With Clear Labels
Everyone who handles your materials needs to know that they’re shipping dangerous goods.
Clearly mark all dangerous goods. The labels should be prominent, using color to highlight the fact that there are potential dangers associated with the cargo.
Most likely, you or your shipping company will need to produce certificates to show that you’re licensed to send and receive such goods.
These certificates must be ready and available to present to customs official when needed.
5. Get the Documents Right
Many factors can affect the cost and timing of your international shipments.
When you’re shipping dangerous goods, a lack of documentation or even an honest error on your forms could see your shipment held up by customs officials for weeks.
They may even decide to refuse to allow the shipment into their country and send it right back to where it came from, wasting your money. The customs agents can go a step further by seizing the goods and destroying them.
That’s why it’s so important that the documents are right the first time.
Shipping Dangerous Goods – Who To Choose
If you’re looking to ship dangerous goods, we can help broker a wide range of shipments and have shipping partners at the ready to take your goods.
Learn more about international freight shipping now or contact us to find out how we can help you ship your goods from country to country without a hitch.
Atlanta Customs Brokers is one of the oldest and most trusted customs brokerage and shipping firms in Atlanta. Established in 1985, our company has been a fixture in and around the Atlanta airport and Savannah port for more than 31 years. We enjoy working with our international partners and enjoy what we do. If you are a first-time importer or exporter or a large corporation, we can handle your needs.