
When "Minimalist" Meets "Hazardous Goods": Special Treatment for Small-Packaged Imported Hazardous Chemicals
I remember last year when helping a cultural and creative enterprise import special ink from Japan, the client looked at the 5ml mini packaging and muttered, "Such cute packaging is considered hazardous?" But in the eyes of customs,No matter how small the package is, it doesnt change the hazardousChemicalsNature of the product, but they do enjoy quite a few "special privileges." Today, with my 20 years of agency experience, I'll guide you through the secrets of clearing small-packaged hazardous chemicals.
The "addition and subtraction" in the declaration process: What can be omitted? What must be filled in?
According to General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 29 of 2023,Limited quantity packaging and excepted quantity packagingLike a "fast track" in the hazardous chemicals sector:
- Deduction items: The packaging category can be filled in as "None," and the UN mark should be directly crossed out with "/".
- mandatory fields: Hazard class and UN number remain unchanged, just like ID numbers must be carried at all times
Last year, a cosmetic raw material importer suffered losses - thinking that 30ml fragrance samples didnt require UN numbers, but was later required tosubmit supplementary declarations, causing a half-month delay. Remember: Small packaging ≠ no regulation!
Label Slimming Plan: The "Streamlined Edition" Requirement for Under 100ml.
Ever seen hazard labels the size of nail polish? According to GB15258 regulations:
- Can be omitted: Precautionary statements (just like not needing to label "not for consumption" on lipstick).
- Must be retained: Pictograms, signal words, emergency phone numbers and other core information
But theres no room for compromise with Safety Data Sheets (SDS),all sixteen sections must be complete。A Korean glue supplier once attempted to merge "toxicological information" and "ecological information," resulting in the entire batch of goods being held at the port for technical rectification.
The "VIP Channel" of Transport Packaging: Different Treatment for Sea, Land, and Air
Transportation links best reflect policy flexibility:
- Maritime benefits: Limited quantity packaging exempt from regular hazardous material labels, but must havediamond-shaped limited quantity mark
- Air transport exceptionsIt must be "double-labeled" — both hazardous material labels and limited quantity marks are required.
Last year when a German disinfectant spray was shipped by air, the agency forgot to attach the limited quantity mark, resulting ina 500 yuan fine per case. Remember: Aviation safety is no trivial matter!
Practical Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls: Three Most Common Mistakes
Based on typical cases in recent years, special attention is reminded to:
- Packaging materials: An Italian painting restoration agent was returned due to using recycled plastic bottles
- Declaration consistency: Japanese stationery glue was investigated for discrepancies between actual composition and SDS
- Exception quantity limits: French aromatic essential oils exceeding 30kg limit were required to declare as general cargo
It is recommended to prepare in advancePre-classification identificationOur team's "Hazardous Chemicals Customs Clearance Check-up" service has helped clients reduce their declaration error rate to below 3%.
Future Trends: The Era of "Customs Clearance Plus" for Small-Packaged Hazardous Chemicals
With the development of cross-border e-commerce, customs is piloting:
- Trace Sample "Whitelist" Express Channel
- Blockchain traceability system for hazardous goods
- AI intelligent label review
Recently, we assisted a laboratory in importing 100 units of 5ml testing reagents through the "Hazardous Chemicals Green Channel."Completed customs clearance in 2 hoursThis reminds us: we must thoroughly understand existing policies while keeping an eye on reform dividends!
Finally, here is a mnemonic in the industry:"Small packages must be declared, limit marks cannot be omitted, labels can be slimmed down, but safety must not be compromised."Feel free to discuss specific cases anytime - Ill use my 20 years of experience to safeguard your operations!