Shipping goods into the UK and EU can feel like a daunting task at the best of times, especially considering the numerous and complex rules and regulations imposed by these regions. However, the red tape really starts piling up when you want to ship dangerous goods into EU and the UK, as each region imposes their own detailed safety guidelines that must be complied with.
A little red tape is nothing to fear with re:TRADE. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps that make this process easier, less confusing, and more manageable.
Dangerous goods are broadly defined as substances or materials that can pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. This category includes items like chemicals, batteries, flammable liquids, gassesgases, corrosive substances, and explosives.
Before you ship anything, it is imperative that the goods are categorised. Dangerous goods must be correctly categorised according to UN Model Regulations, which organises goods into one of nine classifications. Each class represents a distinct hazard, such as flammable liquids (e.g. petrol) or toxic substances (e.g. certain pesticides).
Each dangerous item must be assigned a UN Number and a Proper Shipping Name to help accurately identify the goods throughout their journey. This step applies to shipping to both the UK and the EU, as both regions comply with the international standards set by the UN Model Regulations.
To start with, dangerous goods must be packed according to the relevant transport regulations. For air freight, dangerous goods must be packed according to the International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).
Furthermore, the packaging must meet appropriate durability standards to ensure safe containment throughout the journey. For dangerous goods headed to the UK, the packaging labels should meet the Great Britain Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (GB CLP) requirements, which stipulate that the labels should display hazard symbols, the UN numbers, and clear handling instructions. Similarly, goods destined for the EU must be labeled in accordance with the EU CLP regulations.
Your shipment should include a Dangerous Goods Declaration, Safety Data Sheets, and any relevant transport documents such as the Air Waybill or Bill of Lading. These documents apply to shipments heading to either the UK or the EU.
Use a certified carrier that is licensed and equipped to handle dangerous goods. Ensure that your carrier of choice complies with both UK- and EU-specific handling and transport regulations.
To ensure the smooth passage of your dangerous goods through UK and EU border control, it’s essential that all the aforementioned documentation is in order for customs clearance. Note that dangerous good shipments may need to comply with additional safety checks and import restrictions. Furthermore, depending on the classification, certain dangerous goods may necessitate special customs procedures, import licenses, or specific permits.
At this stage, it is also prudent to ensure that your shipment complies with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) if it applies to the classification of your goods. EU REACH requires that certain dangerous goods – especially chemicals – are registered with and authorised by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) before they can be imported into the EU.
Following Brexit, the UK has implemented its own UK REACH system. Similarly to the EU REACH system, certain dangerous goods may need to be registered with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If the goods are classified as hazardous chemicals, they must be registered and authorised under UK REACH before entry.
Restricted categories of dangerous goods, such as radioactive or toxic materials, may require prior notification of and authorisation from the UK or EU government before they can be imported into the relevant region.
Overall, the requirements for shipping dangerous goods into the UK and the EU are not dissimilar. However, especially in the wake of Brexit, there are some core differences that are worth being aware of:
Hazards and hassle go hand in hand. Compliance is key to upholding safety standards and moving your goods without delay, but it can feel dangerously overwhelming.
Breathe a sigh of relief knowing that, from this point onwards, every point in your logistics cycle could be taken care of by re:TRADE. Our digital platform is a portal into a world where assured compliance, seamless booking, real-time tracking, and hassle-free freight handling are an everyday reality for our clients.
With personalised strategies designed and implemented by re:TRADE, hopeful importers can overcome logistical complexities like dangerous goods getting stuck at customs because of improper labeling and declaration.
Expand into new regions without giving another thought to compliance and regulations. Simply book a free demo and breathe a sigh of relief – we’ve got it from here.
