Undeclared Dangerous Goods — Liability Allocation Between Shipper and Freight Forwarder
Interlink編集部What Is Undeclared Dangerous Goods and the Associated Liability?
Undeclared dangerous goods liability refers to practical issues arising when the shipper fails to correctly declare that cargo may qualify as dangerous goods or to provide required dangerous goods information when contracting transportation with a freight forwarder. Such omissions can result in shipment refusal, booking cancellations, CFS gate-in rejection, storage charges, rebooking costs, delivery delays, and liability for damages in case of incidents.
In international transport, whether cargo qualifies as dangerous goods significantly affects the possibility of shipment, required documentation, storage location, allowance for consolidation, acceptance conditions imposed by shipping lines or airlines, handling procedures at CFS and warehouses, and marine cargo insurance coverage verification.
Declaration of dangerous goods is not merely a formal documentation matter. It is a critical confirmation that directly impacts transport safety, quotation terms, bookings, additional charges, delivery schedules, third-party damage, and liability scope in case of accidents.
When assessing liability, it is important not to impose full responsibility solely on either the shipper or the freight forwarder based only on the fact that declaration was omitted. Instead, the cause, timing of discovery, contractual position, information provided, and status of verification and communication should be separately reviewed.
Scope Covered in This Article
| Item | Contents Covered in This Article | Contents Covered in Detail in Other Articles |
|---|---|---|
| Basics of Undeclared Dangerous Goods | The impact of undeclared dangerous goods on quotations, bookings, in-gate, loading, and accident response | Detailed transport conditions for each dangerous goods class are covered in the respective articles by class. |
| Shipper’s Obligation to Provide Information | Provision of product name, ingredients, SDS, UN number, dangerous goods class, quantity, and packing information | The overall responsibility for declaring cargo information is covered in “Cargo Content Declaration and Scope of Responsibility.” |
| Freight Forwarder’s Duty to Verify | Confirmation, communication, and arrangements upon receiving information indicating a possibility of dangerous goods | The overall summary of situations where the freight forwarder is not liable is covered in “Typical Cases Where Freight Forwarders Do Not Assume Responsibility.” |
| Contractual Position | Differences in judgment between simple intermediaries, cargo transportation service providers, NVOCCs issuing House B/Ls, etc. | The basic classification of contractual positions is covered in “Freight Forwarder Quotation Terms.” |
| Quotation and Additional Charges | Quotations based on non-dangerous goods, dangerous goods-related fees, re-booking, storage fees, and burden allocation | General considerations on actual costs charged separately are covered in “Reasons and Practical Meanings for Stating ‘Actual Costs Charged Separately’ in Quotation Terms.” |
| Response After Discovery | Chronological responses from before booking to after accident occurrence | Disputes concerning quotation terms are covered in “Organizing Disputes Over Quotation Terms.” |
| Accident and Claims | Primary response to the shipper, claims against Actual Carriers, warehouses, etc., and identification of responsible parties | Details on liability limits and tariff clauses are covered in “Confirmation of Liability Limitation Clauses.” |
| Cargo Insurance | Impact of discrepancies in declared information on insurance handling and insurer subrogation claims | The distinction between compensation and indemnity liability is covered in “Separation of Cargo Insurance and Freight Forwarder Liability.” |
Why Declaring Dangerous Goods Is Important
Dangerous goods may pose risks such as fire, explosion, leakage, corrosion, toxicity, radioactivity, infectivity, and environmental pollution, requiring handling different from regular cargo.
Shipping lines, airlines, NVOCCs, CFS, warehouses, and others review the UN number, hazard class, container classification, quantity, packaging condition, SDS, and dangerous goods declaration before deciding on acceptance and loading conditions.
If the shipper fails to declare dangerous goods, the freight forwarder might proceed with quotations, booking, pickup, CFS in-gate, and warehouse storage assuming regular cargo. If the cargo is later identified as dangerous goods, arrangements must be halted and conditions reassessed.
Cargo Prone to Being Classified as Dangerous Goods
| Type of Cargo | Reason for Need to Confirm Dangerous Goods Status | Main Documents for Confirmation | Problems if Overlooked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemicals, Paints, Adhesives, Inks | May possess flammability, corrosiveness, toxicity, etc. | SDS, Composition Sheets, UN Number, Flash Point | Booking cancellation, transfer to dangerous goods warehouse, rescheduling |
| Spray Cans, Aerosol Products | May contain high-pressure gas or flammable components | SDS, Product Specifications, Gas/Component Information | Refusal of CFS acceptance, air transport prohibition, storage fees |
| Lithium Batteries, Battery-Installed Devices | Transport conditions vary depending on battery type, capacity, condition, and packaging | UN38.3-related Documents, Wh Rating, Battery Specifications, Packaging Information | Shipment delay, additional documentation, repackaging, loading refusal |
| Cleaning Agents, Alcohol, Fragrances, Cosmetic Raw Materials | May be classified as flammable liquids or chemicals | SDS, Composition Sheets, Flash Points, Usage | Difference from regular cargo quotations, dangerous goods handling fees |
| Liquids, Powders, Resin Raw Materials, Reagents | Dangerous properties cannot be determined by product name alone | SDS, Composition, Physical Properties, Non-Dangerous Goods Certificate | Delay in acceptance confirmation, CFS storage, re-booking |
| Used Machinery | May retain internal oil, fuel, refrigerants, gases, or batteries | Oil Removal Certificate, Gas Release Certificate, Specifications, Photographs | Refusal of gate-in, additional work, third-party damage |
Precautions by Hazard Class
| Hazard Class | Main Hazard | Typical Examples | Practical Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosiveness | Explosives, fireworks, explosive substances | Acceptance restrictions are strict; prior confirmation of route, shipping line, and storage location is essential. |
| Class 2 | High-pressure gases, flammable gases, toxic gases | Aerosol cans, refrigerants, gas cylinders | May apply even to daily-use items; check container condition and gas type. |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | Paints, inks, adhesives, solvents, alcohol | Confirm flash point, UN number, and container category using the SDS. |
| Class 4 | Flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, water-reactive | Metal powders, some chemicals, matches | For powders and raw materials, verify reactivity as well as item name. |
| Class 5 | Oxidizers, organic peroxides | Bleaching agent raw materials, curing agents, some chemicals | Isolation from other cargo and temperature conditions may pose issues. |
| Class 6 | Toxicity, infectious substances | Poisons, medical and testing specimens | Additional checks on regulations, packaging, labeling, and handling qualifications are required. |
| Class 7 | Radioactive | Radioactive materials, measurement and medical use items | Specialized permits and strict transport conditions are necessary. |
| Class 8 | Corrosives | Acids, alkalis, corrosive cleaners, battery fluids | Check for impact on other cargo and facilities in case of leakage and confirm the container condition. |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous hazards | Lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous substances, etc. | Often requested as finished products or electronics and prone to being overlooked. |
The actual classification, transport eligibility, and required documents should be confirmed based on the SDS, dangerous goods declaration, applicable transport regulations, and acceptance conditions of the shipping line, airline, CFS, and warehouse.
The Role of SDS and Non-Dangerous Goods Certificates
The SDS is an essential document for verifying components, hazardous properties, handling methods, transport precautions, UN numbers, hazard classes, and container classifications.
However, simply obtaining an SDS does not guarantee shipment approval. It is necessary to confirm quantities, packaging, routes, ports of call, and specific conditions of the shipping line, airline, or CFS.
Even if the cargo does not qualify as dangerous goods, submission of an SDS or non-dangerous goods certificate may be requested for chemicals, liquids, powders, and battery-related items.
Verification Scope Changes According to Contractual Role
The responsibility of the freight forwarder for undeclared dangerous goods is not determined solely by the title “freight forwarder.” The contractual role is confirmed based on the quotation, master agreement, House B/L, transport segment actually undertaken, and documents received.
| Contractual Role | Main Involvement | Key Points to Confirm Regarding Dangerous Goods Information | Common Issues in Liability Determination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Intermediary | Acts as an intermediary arranging shipments with shipping lines, airlines, etc. | Whether dangerous goods information received from the shipper was accurately communicated to the Actual Carrier | Whether there was oversight or erroneous transmission of information indicating the possibility of dangerous goods |
| Cargo Transportation Service Provider | Contracts transport using the Actual Carrier’s transportation capacity | Whether acceptance conditions, required documents, and the Actual Carrier’s acceptance criteria were confirmed | Whether primary response to the shipper as contracting carrier is necessary |
| NVOCC / House B/L Issuer | Issues a House B/L and undertakes ocean transport | Whether dangerous goods declarations were received and properly communicated to the shipping line and CFS | Need to distinguish between primary responsibility toward the shipper and claims against the shipping line and others |
| Door-to-Door Single Contractor | Undertakes the entire process from pickup to final delivery as a package | Whether information was coordinated among pickup, warehouse, CFS, shipping line, and delivery company | Communication omissions between segments and issues with subcontractors’ responses are often problematic |
| Agent / Coordinator for Specific Services | Handles only specific tasks such as customs clearance, warehousing, delivery, or documentation | Whether dangerous goods information was confirmed to the necessary extent within the contracted scope of work | It is necessary to distinguish whether responsibility extends beyond the contracted scope |
Generally, the broader the freight forwarder’s involvement, and the more directly the freight forwarder receives and manages dangerous goods information and SDS, the more likely issues regarding verification, transmission, and consistency with arrangement conditions will arise.
Boundary Between Shipper Responsibility and Freight Forwarder Duty to Verify
| Scenario | What the Shipper Should Confirm | What the Freight Forwarder Should Confirm | Documents for Responsibility Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Dangerous Goods Information Is Known | Declare that the cargo is dangerous goods, including UN number, Class, quantity, and packaging | Accurately communicate the information to the shipping line, airline, CFS, etc. | Dangerous Goods Declaration, booking records, transmission emails |
| When the Cargo Description Is Vague | Provide specific details beyond terms such as “sample” or “general goods” | Do not arrange shipment as regular cargo based on vague descriptions | Quotation request, product specification sheets, question-and-answer records |
| For Chemicals, Liquids, and Powders | Obtain and provide SDS and ingredient information | Request submission of SDS or non-dangerous goods documentation | SDS submission date, confirmation records, shipping line inquiries |
| For Battery-Embedded Products | Declare battery type, Wh rating, quantity, and presence of spare batteries | If battery installation is expected based on the product name, confirm the details | Product specifications, battery information, UN38.3-related documents |
| When SDS Is Received | Provide the latest SDS corresponding to the correct product | Verify transport information and share it with relevant parties | SDS version, receipt timestamp, internal transmission records |
| When Declaring Non-Dangerous Goods | Prepare supporting documentation | Notify the shipper that shipping lines or other parties may request additional documents | Non-dangerous goods certificates, manufacturer responses, acceptance replies |
Cause Classification and Responsibility Assessment
| Cause Classification | Main Points to Check | Relationship to Contractual Position | Practical Judgment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Declaration by the Shipper | Whether dangerous goods information was known or documentation was provided | Whether the quotation and arrangements were based on the shipper’s declaration | Consider responsibility for rearrangement costs and storage charges |
| Insufficient Confirmation by the Freight Forwarder | Whether dangerous goods could have been identified from the product name, SDS, or past data | Whether it was a confirmation item within the scope of engagement | Separate responsibility for additional charges from liability for damages |
| Failure of Information Transmission by the Freight Forwarder | Whether received dangerous goods information was communicated to relevant parties | Whether information was managed as an NVOCC or Door-to-Door contractor | Distinguish the initial response to the shipper from claims against the Actual Carrier |
| Errors in Manufacturer Documentation | Whether the SDS or specifications were accurate | Whether the shipper or freight forwarder could have recognized the error | Clarify causal relationships involving the manufacturer |
| Change in Shipping Line or Other Acceptance Conditions | Whether regulations, routes, or shipping line conditions changed | Who should have confirmed and notified the change | Differentiate this from a simple declaration omission when determining costs |
| Multiple Causes | Whether the shipper’s insufficient declaration was combined with the freight forwarder’s lack of confirmation or communication | Confirm when each party obtained the relevant information | Allocate responsibility according to cost items and periods of occurrence |
Common Issues Arising from Undeclared Dangerous Goods
| Issue | Main Cause | Verification Documents | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Cancellation | Booked as regular cargo and later identified as dangerous goods | Booking Confirmation, SDS, shipping line response | Rebook on an available vessel and confirm cancellation charges |
| CFS In-Gate Refusal | No prior declaration of dangerous goods | In-gate ticket, CFS acceptance conditions, declaration records | Arrange cargo removal, transfer to a dangerous goods warehouse, and redispatch |
| Storage Charges | Delay caused by insufficient documents or delayed acceptance confirmation | Warehouse entry records, storage details, confirmation history | Separate the chargeable period and identify the cause of delay |
| Rebooking Charges | Inability to ship on the originally scheduled vessel | Original booking, new booking, shipping line invoice | Confirm the causal link between undeclared dangerous goods and rescheduling |
| Redispatch and Transfer Costs | CFS or warehouse unable to store dangerous goods | Dispatch records, transfer instructions, transport company invoices | Document the urgency and whether prior approval was obtained |
| Delivery Delay | Need for document checking, rescheduling, and acceptance confirmation | Original schedule, confirmation history, revised schedule | Verify whether any delivery guarantee existed and identify the cause of delay |
| Impact on Other Cargo | Reloading or shipment suspension of LCL consolidated cargo | CFS operation records, container stowage records | Distinguish third-party damages from additional handling costs |
| Accidents Such as Fire or Leakage | Handling and stowage not conducted in accordance with dangerous goods requirements | Accident reports, Survey Report, stowage details, SDS | Separate determination of accident cause, primary liability, recourse, and insurance response |
Response Flow by Timing of Discovery
| Timing of Discovery | Main Actions | Likely Costs / Issues | Key Points to Confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Booking | Check SDS, confirm dangerous goods applicability, conduct acceptance inquiry, and revise the quotation | Dangerous goods handling fees, document preparation costs, special storage fees | UN number, Class, Packing Group, quantity, packaging |
| After Booking / Before CFS In-Gate | Modify booking, submit dangerous goods declaration, and obtain renewed shipping line approval | Booking change fees, shipment delay, rebooking | Feasibility of loading on the scheduled vessel, Cut-off, CFS acceptance |
| After CFS In-Gate | Urgently contact the CFS, confirm storage availability, and arrange cargo removal or relocation | Storage fees, relocation costs, redispatch, additional operation fees | Current location, allowable storage time, availability of a dangerous goods warehouse |
| Before Vessel Loading | Urgently confirm with the shipping line and cancel loading or arrange alternatives | Loading cancellation, storage fees, delivery delays | Loading status, impact on consolidated cargo, shipping line approval |
| After Loading | Urgently notify the shipping line, port of arrival, and relevant parties | Measures at the arrival port, transshipment, significant additional charges | Stowage position, hazards, accident prevention measures, notification records |
| After an Accident | Investigate the cause, preserve evidence, and notify the insurer and related parties | Damage to cargo, vessel, facilities, and third parties | Who knew what, and the causal relationship between the dangerous nature of the cargo and the accident |
Separating Primary Liability Determination and Recourse Assessment
| Assessment Stage | Issues to Check | Main Parties Involved | Reference Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Response to the Shipper | Who will explain, settle, and handle the incident response with the shipper | Shipper, NVOCC, House B/L Issuer | Quotation, master agreement, House B/L, emails |
| Responsibility for Additional Charges | Who bears costs arising from undeclared dangerous goods or insufficient confirmation | Shipper, Freight Forwarder, Shipping Line, CFS, Warehouse | Cost breakdown, cause documentation, chronology |
| Liability for Damages | Whether undeclared information or failure to communicate caused the incident | Shipper, Freight Forwarder, Actual Carrier, Third Parties | Accident Report, Survey Report, SDS, stowage records |
| Recourse Claims | Whether the party initially responding can seek reimbursement from the responsible party | Actual Carrier, Subcontractors, Manufacturer, Shipper | Terms and conditions, transport contract, operation records, notification records |
| Cargo Insurance | Compensation under marine cargo insurance and subrogation by the insurer | Insured, Insurance Company, Responsible Party | Insurance policy, declaration details, accident documentation |
Common Misunderstandings
| Common Misunderstanding | Actual Consideration | Practical Points |
|---|---|---|
| General merchandise or finished products are not dangerous goods | Even finished products may contain batteries, liquids, gases, or flammable components. | Check not only the product name but also the ingredients and specifications. |
| Since it was shipped as non-dangerous goods last time, there is no problem this time | Routes, shipping lines, quantities, packaging, and acceptance conditions may change. | Confirm the conditions for each shipment. |
| If there is no SDS, the item can be shipped as non-dangerous goods | The absence of an SDS does not prove that the cargo is non-dangerous. | Stop arrangements if the required documents are missing. |
| A dangerous goods declaration is unnecessary if the quantity is small | Even small quantities require confirmation of classification, packaging, and declaration requirements. | Do not make judgments based on quantity alone. |
| If the shipper says the cargo is not dangerous, no confirmation is needed | Objective documentation may be required depending on the cargo contents. | Verify the SDS, ingredient lists, and non-dangerous goods certificates. |
| If the freight forwarder says nothing, the shipper is not responsible | The shipper is responsible for providing accurate cargo information. | Consider any failure by the freight forwarder to verify the information separately. |
| All dangerous goods-related costs are borne by the freight forwarder | Responsibility varies depending on the cause, quotation terms, information received, and arrangement status. | Separate temporary advances from final cost responsibility. |
| Having cargo insurance means there is no issue with undeclared dangerous goods | Insurance coverage is separate from declaration obligations and legal liability. | The insurer may pursue subrogation against the responsible party. |
Decision Checklist
| Confirmation Stage | Party to Confirm With | Items to Confirm | Actions If Issues Are Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| At Quotation Request | Shipper | Specific product name, ingredients, use, and presence of liquids, batteries, gases, etc. | If information is insufficient, do not issue a firm quotation based on regular cargo |
| Upon Receipt of SDS | Shipper / Manufacturer | Product name, version, transport information, UN number, Class | Inquire about unclear points and withhold acceptance confirmation |
| Before Booking | Shipping Line / Airline / NVOCC | Acceptance or rejection, required documents, charges, loading restrictions | Change the booking to dangerous goods and issue a revised quotation |
| Before CFS or Warehouse In-Gate | CFS / Warehouse | Acceptance conditions, advance notification, storage conditions | If acceptance is refused, arrange an alternative facility |
| Upon Discovery of Undeclared Dangerous Goods | Shipper / Related Parties | Current location, hazards, required measures, costs, delivery schedule | Stop arrangements and record emergency measures and available options |
| When Additional Charges Occur | Shipper / Billing Party | Charge items, cause, urgency, and possibility of avoidance | Organize the basis for responsibility for each cost item |
| In the Event of an Accident | Shipper / Actual Carrier / Insurance Company | Accident cause, stowage condition, dangerous goods information, notification status | Preserve evidence, issue accident notifications, and proceed separately with liability assessment |
| When Organizing Liability | Internal Staff / Specialists as Necessary | Contractual position, terms and conditions, timeline, information received | Determine primary liability, recourse, and insurance claims separately |
Comparison Table of Freight Forwarder Involvement Scope
| Category | What Can Be Supported | What Should Not Be Concluded | Practical Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of Potential Dangerous Goods | Guide the shipper on necessary documents and confirmation items | Concluding that cargo is dangerous or non-dangerous without reviewing the documents | Check the SDS, ingredient lists, and product specifications |
| Dangerous Goods Classification | Organize information for confirmation with shipping lines and other relevant parties | Assigning UN numbers or Classes without appropriate technical documentation | Verify based on manufacturer documents and applicable regulations |
| Booking | Inquire about shipping lines, sailings, and conditions capable of accepting the cargo | Guaranteeing that all dangerous goods can be loaded on the scheduled vessel | Finalize the booking after receiving acceptance approval |
| CFS / Warehouse Handling | Confirm in-gate conditions, storage conditions, and additional charges | Assuming that undeclared cargo can be stored without further action | Confirm acceptance before cargo in-gate |
| Additional Charges | Organize billing details, causes, and occurrence periods | Determining before investigation that all costs must be borne by one party | Assess each cause and cost item separately |
| Accident Response | Support notifications to relevant parties, evidence preservation, and document collection | Determining the responsible party or compensation amount before investigation | Separate the initial response from the recourse assessment |
| Cargo Insurance | Check whether insurance was arranged and which documents are required | Explaining that coverage is guaranteed despite an omitted declaration | Confirm the coverage determination with the insurance company or insurance agent |
Practical Scenarios
Case of Requesting Devices with Built-In Lithium Batteries as Regular Cargo
The shipper requested transportation of electronic devices as regular cargo, but it was discovered before CFS in-gate that lithium batteries were installed in the devices.
The battery type, Wh rating, installation status, presence of spare batteries, quantity, and packaging condition must be checked, and acceptance by the shipping line or airline must be confirmed. If the shipper did not declare the battery information, booking change fees, document preparation costs, and delivery delays may be attributable to the shipper’s information deficiency.
On the other hand, if the freight forwarder failed to confirm the battery information despite being able to recognize from the product name or past handling records that the product contained batteries, the freight forwarder’s failure to verify should also be considered.
Case of Delivering Paint as General Cargo to a CFS
The shipper arranged paint as general cargo, but after CFS in-gate, the transport information in the SDS indicated that the cargo might fall under Class 3.
CFS storage fees, transfer to a dangerous goods warehouse, redispatch costs, and rebooking fees may arise. If the SDS was not submitted, the shipper’s failure to provide information becomes an issue.
If the freight forwarder knew that the cargo was paint but proceeded without requesting the SDS and handled it as regular cargo, the additional charges caused by that oversight should be separately identified.
Case Where Spray Cans Were Declared as General Merchandise
The shipper declared consumer goods containing spray cans simply as “general merchandise” and booked the shipment as regular cargo.
If aerosol products are discovered after CFS in-gate, the result may include refusal of acceptance, dangerous goods verification, repacking, rebooking, and storage charges.
The shipper’s insufficient declaration caused by the nonspecific product description and the freight forwarder’s failure to verify the contents despite the vague description should be distinguished when assessing responsibility.
Case Where the Freight Forwarder Received an SDS but Did Not Review It
The shipper sent the SDS at the quotation stage, but the freight forwarder’s staff did not review the transport information and arranged the shipment with the shipping line and CFS as regular cargo.
Even if the shipper did not expressly state that the cargo was dangerous goods, the fact that the freight forwarder received the SDS is important. The time of receipt, internal storage location, transfer history between staff, and declarations made to the shipping line should be confirmed.
If additional charges increased because the shipment continued to be handled as regular cargo, the responsibility assessment should include not only the shipper’s initial provision of information but also the freight forwarder’s failure to review and communicate the documentation.
Case of Overlapping Vague Declaration by the Shipper and Communication Failure by the Freight Forwarder
The shipper initially described the cargo only as a “chemical sample” and later submitted an SDS. However, the freight forwarder did not relay the SDS information to the CFS and shipping line, resulting in the cargo being handled as regular cargo.
The shipper bears responsibility for the initially insufficient description of the product and its components. At the same time, once the freight forwarder received the SDS, it had an opportunity to reassess the dangerous goods status and communicate the information to the relevant parties.
The initial booking-change costs, storage charges that could have been avoided after receipt of the SDS, and cargo removal costs from the CFS should be separated to determine when and by whom further losses could have been prevented. The entire amount should not automatically be imposed on one party; each expense should be organized by cost item and period of occurrence.
Matters to Clarify in Quotation Terms
- The quotation is based on the assumption that the cargo is non-dangerous goods.
- Prior declaration is required for dangerous goods or cargo that may be classified as dangerous goods.
- SDS, UN number, hazard class, quantity, and packaging information may be required.
- Supporting documents may be requested even for non-dangerous goods.
- Dangerous goods handling fees, dangerous goods warehouse charges, and additional document fees will be charged separately.
- Additional charges may apply for booking cancellation, rearrangement, storage, and rebooking caused by undeclared dangerous goods.
- If cargo information is corrected, a revised quotation and rearrangement may be necessary.
- In the event of an accident, responsibility will be determined based on the declared information, cause, contractual position, and applicable terms and conditions.
Example Clauses to Include in Quotations
| Situation | Example Clause |
|---|---|
| Assumption of Non-Dangerous Goods | This quotation is based on the assumption that the cargo qualifies as non-dangerous goods. Please declare at the quotation stage if the cargo is dangerous goods or may potentially be classified as dangerous goods. |
| Required Documentation | For chemicals, liquids, powders, gases, aerosols, lithium batteries, battery-powered equipment, and similar cargo, please provide the SDS, UN number, hazard class, quantity, and packaging information. |
| Non-Dangerous Goods Documentation | Even if the cargo is non-dangerous goods, submission of an SDS or non-dangerous goods certificate may be requested based on the requirements of the shipping line, airline, CFS, warehouse, or other relevant party. |
| Additional Charges | If the cargo is dangerous goods, dangerous goods handling fees, dangerous goods warehouse charges, declaration preparation fees, additional documentation charges, and other actual costs may be incurred separately. |
| Undeclared Dangerous Goods | If undeclared dangerous goods or missing required documentation causes booking cancellation, refusal of in-gate, storage, relocation, redispatch, or rebooking, the resulting costs may be charged based on the cause and quotation terms. |
| Scope of Liability | Liability for additional costs, delays, third-party damage, and accident response expenses arising from incomplete dangerous goods information will be determined based on the declared information, conduct of the parties involved, cause of occurrence, contractual position, and applicable terms and conditions. |
Summary
Undeclared dangerous goods significantly affect not only whether shipment is permitted but also quotation terms, booking, storage at CFS or warehouses, additional charges, delivery schedules, third-party damage, and liability in the event of an accident.
The shipper must provide accurate information regarding the product name, components, SDS, UN number, hazard class, quantity, and packaging condition. When a freight forwarder receives product descriptions or documents indicating that cargo may be dangerous goods, it should verify the details and accurately communicate them to the shipping line, airline, CFS, warehouse, and other relevant parties.
When determining liability, the cause classification and contractual position should be considered together. Primary responsibility to the shipper, final responsibility for additional charges, recourse against the Actual Carrier or subcontractors, and compensation under marine cargo insurance must be assessed separately.
If the shipper’s declaration is insufficient and the freight forwarder also fails to verify or communicate the information properly, full responsibility should not automatically be assigned to one party. The assessment should consider when the information was received, which costs could have been avoided, and the period during which each expense arose.
Marine cargo insurance for international trade varies more by coverage terms than by premium alone. Please consult a specialized insurance company or insurance agent regarding the selection of coverage conditions and interpretation of policy wording.
