Matson Dangerous Goods Application and Handling Process, with Booking Requirements for Class 3 Dangerous Goods: Hand Sanitizer

Published 2022-12-19

Can MATSON accept dangerous goods, and what documents are required?

Please provide an MSDS (MaterialSafetyandDataSheet) as a prerequisite for application.
- For exports from Shanghai, please send the MSDS to our customer service email:
  [email protected] (preferred) or [email protected].
- For exports from Ningbo, please send the MSDS to: [email protected]
  Email subject line format: Include “contract number-product description-application date (the date the email is sent).”
You may book space after our approval is granted (please include the approval number when booking).
After your booking is confirmed, complete and sign the application forms DCA (DangerousCargoApplicationsee end of article) and MDGF (MultimodalDangerousGoods Formsee end of article).
For exports from Shanghai, submit them to us by 17:30 on Friday; for exports from Ningbo, submit them by 12:00 on Friday.

All forms must be completed in English. (Note: The 24-hour emergency contact details required in item 9 of the MDGF must be valid. If the 24-hour emergency phone number is found to be invalid or cannot be reached when needed, relevant fines may be imposed and liability under applicable U.S. law may apply.)

What is the deadline for declaring dangerous goods to MATSON?

Under maritime regulations, declarations must be submitted 24 hours before the vessel berths. Our declaration deadlines for customers are:

Exports from Shanghai: Before 10:00 on the Monday of the week the vessel departs
Shipping agent: United Shipping Agency
Shipping agent phone: 021-60773808
Exports from Ningbo: Before 15:00 on the Friday of the week before the vessel departs
Shipping agent: Sinotrans Shipping Agency
Shipping agent phone: 0574-26888088
*** (For public holidays, revised deadlines will be announced separately.)

What if packing is not complete before the dangerous goods declaration deadline?

We have confirmed that the declaration can be submitted as long as the customer’s declaration details and container number are confirmed. The seal number is not required for the declaration, and packing can be scheduled for the weekend.

Dangerous goods packing requirements and photo examples

Proper blocking and bracing, proper labeling, markings, and placarding

We recommend using U.S.-style bracing and securing the cargo tightly inside the container, leaving no empty space (use filler and securing devices to secure any remaining space). Please take photos throughout the packing process for your records (empty container/half-loaded/full container/doors closed/danger labels on all four sides). We will review the shipment for loading approval once we have received all DCA/MDGF forms and packing photos.

Note: The dangerous goods warehouse in Shanghai accepts containers with all required danger labels properly affixed, including limited quantity labels.

Exporting Class 3 dangerous goods (example: hand sanitizer)

We accept exports using either of the following: a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate or a Limited Quantity Certificate.

Exporting with a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate

Customers must provide a Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate. The small packages (cartons) must bear danger labels, and the container must also bear danger labels. The labeling and declaration must be consistent and uniform, as shown below:

Exporting with a Limited Quantity Certificate

Customers must provide a Limited Quantity Certificate. The small packages (cartons) must bear a Limited Quantity Mark, and the containers must also bear the Limited Quantity Mark. The markings and declaration must be consistent, as shown below: