Freight Forwarding & Customs Clearance for Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals
What do you need to ship chemical cargo from India?
Chemical cargo needs an MSDS for every product, and hazardous chemicals need their IMDG class, UN number and packing group, a dangerous goods declaration, correct labels and the shipping line's approval before booking. Many lines refuse some classes, so acceptance is checked first. Customs clearance then follows the normal export or import route.
Gujarat's chemical belt, from Dahej and Ankleshwar to Hazira, ships through the ports and ICDs we cover. Most chemical shipments that get held are held for a document, not the chemistry: a missing MSDS, a wrong class, or a line that never accepted the booking.
- Cargo
- Hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, petrochemicals
- Ports
- Dahej, Hazira, Kandla, Mundra, Nhava Sheva
- Packing
- Drums, IBCs, ISO tanks, bags
- Rules
- IMDG Code for dangerous goods at sea
Documents
What documents does chemical cargo need?
Hazardous cargo adds safety documents to the core set. All of them must match each other exactly.
Not sure what you have? Send photos of your documents on WhatsApp for a first check.
Send on WhatsApp| Document | Non-hazardous | Hazardous | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Required | Required | Product names matching the MSDS |
| MSDS | Required | Required | Safety data sheet for every product |
| Shipping bill or Bill of Entry | Required | Required | Filed by us on ICEGATE |
| DG declaration | — | Required | Class, UN number and packing group |
| Line acceptance | — | Required | Shipping line approval before booking |
| Container packing certificate | — | Required | Confirms the DG cargo is packed and segregated correctly |
| Non-hazardous declaration | Often | — | Lines often ask for it on chemical cargo |
| Licence or registration | By product | By product | Some chemicals are restricted or need registration |
Requirements change with the destination, the product and the rules in force, so we confirm the list for your consignment with every quote.
Packing & handling
How should chemical cargo be packed?
The packing is part of the approval. The wrong drum or label can stop a booking.
UN-approved packaging
Drums and IBCs certified for the class and packing group.
Labels and marks
Hazard labels, UN numbers and marks on every package and the container.
Segregation
Incompatible classes kept apart in the container, as the IMDG Code requires.
ISO tanks
Bulk liquid chemicals in ISO tank containers, cleaned and certified.
Securing
Drums and IBCs braced so nothing moves or leaks at sea.
Documents that match
Invoice, MSDS and DG declaration using the same product names and quantities.
Packaging
Which packaging suits which chemical cargo?
The product, the quantity and its hazard class decide the packaging.
| Packaging | Suits | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Drums | Liquids and powders in smaller lots | UN approval for the class and packing group |
| IBCs | Liquids in 1,000-litre units | Certified for hazardous cargo if the product is DG |
| ISO tank | Bulk liquids, hazardous or not | Cleaning certificate and compatibility with the last cargo |
| Flexitank | Non-hazardous bulk liquids only | Not permitted for dangerous goods |
| Bags on pallets | Solid chemicals and polymers | Moisture protection and secure stacking |
Process
How does a hazardous chemical export move?
Acceptance comes before everything. A booking without line approval is not a booking.
- Documents checked before filing
- Examination attended at the port
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
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01
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
MSDS and classification
Class, UN number and packing group confirmed from the MSDS.
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02
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Line acceptance
DG booking submitted and approved by the shipping line.
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03
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Packing and labelling
UN packaging, labels and segregation checked.
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04
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Shipping bill filed
On ICEGATE, with the DG documents.
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05
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Container to the port
Moved within the terminal's DG acceptance window.
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06
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Let Export Order and sailing
Customs clears it and the container is loaded.
Quote
Get a quote for Chemicals & Petrochemicals cargo
Rates and the document list for your consignment, back within 24 hours.
- A team at the port, in Gandhidham
- Clearance desk open 24 hours
- Document list with every quote
Ports
Which ports handle our chemical cargo?
The ports closest to Gujarat's chemical belt, plus Nhava Sheva for more sailings.
Related services
What is usually booked with chemical cargo?
What documents does hazardous cargo need?
An MSDS, a dangerous goods declaration with the IMDG class, UN number and packing group, a container packing certificate, and the shipping line's acceptance, on top of the invoice, packing list and shipping bill. The product names must match across every document.
What is an MSDS?
A material safety data sheet describes a chemical's hazards, handling, storage and emergency measures. Shipping lines, terminals and customs use it to classify the cargo, so every chemical shipment needs a current MSDS for each product.
Will every shipping line accept dangerous goods?
No. Lines accept some classes and refuse others, and acceptance can vary by route and vessel. We check acceptance before booking, which is the most common reason chemical shipments are delayed.
What is the IMDG Code?
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code sets the rules for carrying dangerous goods by sea: classification, packaging, labels, documents and segregation. Hazardous chemicals must be shipped in line with it.
Can non-hazardous chemicals ship as normal cargo?
Yes, if the MSDS shows the product is not dangerous for transport. Many lines still ask for the MSDS and a non-hazardous declaration, so have both ready.
Can you ship chemicals in ISO tanks?
Yes. Bulk liquid chemicals can move in ISO tank containers, cleaned and certified for the product. Flexitanks are used for some non-hazardous liquids only.
Can you handle bulk liquid chemicals at the port?
Yes. We handle discharge, storage and onward movement of bulk liquid chemicals, as part of our breakbulk and liquid handling service.
Which ports are closest to the Dahej and Ankleshwar estates?
Dahej and Hazira are the nearest ports, and ICD Ankleshwar lets containers clear inland. Mundra and Nhava Sheva offer more sailings on some lanes; we compare them for each shipment.