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Understand MSDS for Safer Shipping!

Published:2026-10-21 02:35
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Container shipping has become the most convenient and efficient mode of transport today. At the same time, however, we continue to see a steady stream of maritime accidents caused by misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods.

 

Shipping lines have successively introduced hefty penalty clauses, calling for industry self-discipline with one clear goal:to ensure the safe carriage of vessels and cargo, and to protect customer interests. However, relying solely on the deterrent effect of penalties and post-incident reviews is far from sufficient. At every stage — from cargo production, warehousing, and booking to container packing and transport — industry practitioners (including customers and agents) must have a clear understanding of the SOLAS and IMDG Code regulations, as well as a thorough knowledge of the characteristics of the cargo being shipped.

We are now introducing "MSDS" and providing a series of explanations on "batteries," which top the list in product name verification. This is to learn and enrich relevant knowledge together, and jointly build a "safe," "self-disciplined," and "efficient" industry environment.

1. How to correctly understand the relevant characteristics of goods?
By verifying the MSDS data of the goods, we can understand their characteristics and minimize the risk index. MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, internationally known as a chemical safety information card. It is a document used by chemical manufacturers and importers to clarify the physical and chemical properties of chemicals (such as pH value, flash point, flammability, reactivity, etc.) and the potential hazards they may pose to the health of users (such as carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, etc.).
An MSDS contains 16 essential items of basic information, none of which can be omitted.Before submitting your documents, please check that all the following information is complete.
Goods that typically require an MSDS review include batteries, chemicals, and similar items. In addition to distinguishing between dangerous and non-dangerous goods, the MSDS can also identify and confirm special stowage requirements for certain cargoes.

 

When reviewing an MSDS, the following basic elements are generally required:

  • The MSDS is valid for 3 years from the Issue Date.

  • All 16 basic sections must be completed item by item, except for [Other Information].

  • The composition in Section 2 or 3 of the MSDS must total 100%.

  • If Section 14 contains a UN No. and CLASS, the product is classified as dangerous goods.

  • The manufacturer name on the MSDS must match the manufacturer name on the transport condition identification report. If they differ, the relationship between the two must be explained.
II. Battery Product Knowledge
1. Non-dangerous batteries that do not require MSDS verification:
  • Alkaline battery
  • Zn-Mn battery
  • Carbon-Zinc battery
  • Dry battery
 

These can be regarded as non-dangerous goods, do not require dangerous goods declaration, and do not need to be submitted for review.

So, apart from the non-dangerous batteries mentioned above, what other common batteries require an MSDS and a transport condition identification report for verification to determine suitable stowage?

 

2. Non-Dangerous Batteries Requiring MSDS Verification:

 

1) Lithium Batteries: An MSDS must be provided, and compliance with IMDG Code Special Provision SP188 must be confirmed before they can be accepted as general cargo.

 

2）Lead-acid Batteries: An MSDS is required, and compliance with IMDG Code Special Provision SP238 must be confirmed before they can be accepted as general cargo.

3）Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries: An MSDS and photos of the cargo packaging are required to confirm whether they can be accepted as general cargo. Please specify the shipment form when applying.

After the above introduction, we believe you now have a deeper understanding of MSDS and batteries. The safety characteristics of cargo play a crucial guiding role in vessel transportation. Only by properly arranging container loading can we ensure the safe shipment of goods.