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Learn how to read an MSDS and safely ship a product.

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Created:
19 Mar 2025

Container transportation is the most convenient and efficient way to move cargo today. But there have also been many maritime accidents caused by misreporting and missing dangerous goods.Shipping companies have had to pay large sums of money as a result. This has led to calls for the shipping industry to be more careful and to protect the interests of customers.

But even though they're trying to prevent accidents and review what happens after an accident, they're not doing enough.Everyone involved in making, storing, booking, packing, and transporting goods needs to understand SOLARS and IMDG CODE rules, as well as the characteristics of cargo transportation.Now, let's introduce "MSDS" and check the name of the first "battery" to do a series of explanations.

How can we understand the goods' characteristics?

By checking the MSDS data of the cargo, we can understand the cargo's characteristics and minimize the risk index. The MSDS, short for Material Safety Data Sheet, is a document used by chemical manufacturers and importers to provide information about the physical and chemical properties of chemicals (like pH value, flash point, flammability, reactivity, etc.) and potential health risks (like carcinogenicity, etc.). It's like a file that lists possible hazards.

MSDS contains 16 basic data points, all of which are essential. Before providing information, you can check whether the following information is complete.

Generally, you need to check the MSDS for goods such as batteries and chemical categories. In addition to identifying dangerous and non-dangerous goods, MSDS can also identify and confirm the special stoves of certain special cargoes.

Here are some basic things you need to know when you're reviewing an MSDS:

The MSDS is valid for 3 years from the Issue Date

You should fill in the 16 basic contents one by one, except for other information

The second or third column of the MSDS must be 100% complete

If there is a UN No. in column 14. CLASS is classified as dangerous goods

The name of the production unit of MSDS is consistent with the name of the production unit of the goods transportation condition certificate. If not, explain the relationship between the two.

Battery products science class

1. Non-hazardous batteries that do not need to provide MSDS inspection:

Alkaline battery

Zn-Mn battery

Carbon-Zinc battery

General Dry battery

These can be regarded as non-dangerous goods, so you do not need to declare them as dangerous goods or submit them for examination.

So, besides the above non-dangerous batteries, what are the more common ones that need to provide MSDS and cargo transportation conditions verification to determine the appropriate load of the battery?

2. Non-hazardous batteries that need to be verified by MSDS:
1) Lithium battery: need to provide MSDS and comply with the special provisions of IMDG Code SP188. can be accepted as a general product.
2) Lead battery: need to provide MSDS and meet the special provisions of IMDG Code SP238. can be accepted as a general product.

3) Nickel-metal hydride battery: you need to provide an MSDS and photos of the goods packaging to confirm whether they can be accepted as general products. Please indicate shipment type when applying.

After the above introduction, I believe you have a deeper understanding of MSDS and batteries. The safety characteristics of the goods are important for ship transportation, and only the correct arrangement of the loading container can ensure the safe shipment of the goods.

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