Start with Section 14 of your Safety Data Sheet (SDS): it tells you whether your chemical is classified as dangerous goods (DG) for transport. If it is, plan for UN-approved packaging, segregation from incompatible cargo, and a DG declaration. If it isn't, you'll still need the SDS.
What makes chemicals different to ship
Many chemicals are regulated in transport because they are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive. Shipping them safely comes down to correct classification, sound packaging, an accurate hazard declaration, and regulatory compliance. Even non-hazardous chemicals may need moisture control, labeling, and documentation. This guide covers handling, packaging, classification, and transport planning for chemical and industrial liquids and solids.
Chemical cargo this guide covers
Industrial Chemicals
Acids, solvents, organic compounds, resins, and catalysts
Agricultural Inputs
Fertilizers, micronutrient solutions, and crop protection products
Cleaning Chemicals
Household and industrial surface cleaners, detergents, and disinfectants
Lubricants, Oils & Coatings
Greases, industrial oils, paint chemicals, and adhesives
Polymer & Plastics Raw Materials
Granules, pellets, masterbatches, and additives
Laboratory & Specialty Chemicals
Reagents, pharmaceutical intermediates, and water treatment chemicals
Shipping chemicals and hazardous goods?
Get a quoteThree safety risks: classification, leaks, and segregation
A chemical shipping plan has to protect people, cargo, and equipment. It rests on accurate classification, sound packaging, and hazard containment.
A misclassified chemical can be rejected for transport or create a safety risk. Transport rules vary widely by hazard class, so getting the class right prevents incidents and delays.
- Identify the correct UN number and hazard class, if one applies
- Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for shipping instructions
- Determine the packing group (I, II, or III) where required
Liquids, powders, and industrial fluids can leak, corrode their containers, or absorb moisture. Preventing damage starts with drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) that are in good condition and properly sealed.
- Use UN-approved drums, IBCs, or jerrycans when required
- Seal securely with tamper-proof caps
- Add secondary containment for liquids, such as liners or drip trays
- Protect hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) powders from moisture
Some chemicals can react with each other and can't be stored or shipped side by side. Proper segregation prevents reactions and cross-contamination.
- Keep oxidizers, flammable liquids, corrosives, and other incompatible classes apart
- Follow the carrier's segregation charts
- Provide proper ventilation for fume-sensitive goods
- Don't mix chemicals with food cargo in shared containers or warehouses
Documents for a chemical shipment
The shipper supplies the classification and product safety documents; the forwarder prepares the transport documents.
What the shipper provides: classification and safety documents
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Sets out the classification, hazards, and packing rules |
| Technical data sheet / product description | Explains the chemical's composition and use |
| UN classification & hazard declaration (if DG) | Required to ship hazardous goods |
| Packing declaration & markings | Supports DG inspection and handling |
| Certificate of origin (if needed) | Supports customs and regulatory checks |
What the forwarder handles: transport documents
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | The transport contract with the carrier |
| Dangerous Goods Declaration (if applicable) | Required by the carrier and the authorities |
| Container packing certificate (sea DG) | Confirms a DG container was packed safely |
| Commercial invoice & packing list | Used for customs valuation and product classification |
| Label and placard confirmation (sea/air) | Confirms labels and placards meet carrier requirements |
Shipping chemicals and hazardous goods?
Get a quoteRegulations by destination
Some chemicals need approval before they ship, so check the rules early in planning.
- DOT (Department of Transportation) and OSHA classification rules apply
- EPA requirements apply to certain chemicals
- CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) rules apply
- REACH requirements apply to some chemicals
- Some countries require the SDS in their own language
- Certain markets require import permits for regulated chemicals
Which container or mode to use
Some carriers restrict certain hazard classes, so run a compliance check before you book.
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| ISO tank | Bulk liquids and solvents compatible with the tank lining |
| IBCs or drums (FCL or LCL) | Industrial quantities and smaller lots |
| Dry container with liners | Non-hazardous powders, resin pellets, and additives |
| Air freight | High-value lab chemicals (DG limits apply) |
HS codes for chemicals (examples)
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2905 | Acyclic alcohols and their derivatives |
| 2811 | Inorganic acids |
| 3824 | Chemical products and preparations not elsewhere specified |
| 3901–3914 | Polymers and plastics in primary forms (raw materials) |
These codes are indicative starting points, not a classification. Find the exact 10-digit line for your product in the HTS Code Finder. Getting the classification right is the importer of record’s legal responsibility.
Estimate US import duties for these codes with our free tariff simulator. HS nomenclature reference: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature.aspx
Chemical shipping FAQs
No. Only chemicals classified as hazardous under UN transport rules need one. Many industrial chemicals are non-DG, but they still need an SDS.
Generally not. The contamination risk means chemicals and food must be strictly segregated.
Check Section 14 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). It lists the UN classification and transport category.
UN-certified drums or IBCs with leak-proof closures, plus secondary containment.
Some can, under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations with airline-approved packaging and a dangerous goods declaration, and some classes are forbidden by air altogether. Airlift does not book dangerous goods by air, so a hazardous chemical shipment with Airlift is planned by ocean.
Shipping terms in this guide:Certificate of Origin (COO)Bill of Lading (BOL)Air Waybill (AWB)Commercial InvoicePacking ListFull Container Load (FCL)
U.S. import duty on Chemicals & Hazardous Goods Commodities by country of origin
Total duty on the highest-value tariff lines in this category, by country of origin, calculated with our tariff engine and U.S. Census import values. Each page breaks down the duty components, how the rate has changed by entry date, and the landed-cost math.
- Fluorides from France
- Mixtures of two or more inorganic compounds from Japan
- Fluorides from United Kingdom
- Fluorides from Russia
- Mixtures of two or more inorganic compounds from South Korea
- Polypeptide hormones from Ireland
- Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing from Germany
- Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing from Sweden
- Polycrystalline silicon wafers from Taiwan
- Sulfonamide drugs from Ireland
- Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing from United Kingdom
Rates are our tariff engine's total for a commercial entry today. Open a page for the duty lines behind a rate and how it changed by entry date, browse all import duty pages, or price your own shipment.
Shipping chemicals or dangerous goods?
We can help you work through classification, packing, segregation, and documentation rules for your chemical cargo.
Get a quote to ship chemicals and hazardous goods
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