China's Ministry of Transport has released the amended "Regulation on the Safety Supervision and Management of Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods" (Regulation 2024), effective March 1, 2025. The update introduces stricter shipper obligations, streamlined administrative permits, and clarified penalties, directly impacting importers, exporters, and logistics providers handling hazardous chemicals via Chinese ports. Overseas buyers should review compliance requirements to avoid shipment delays.
Key regulatory changes
Regulation 2024 replaces the 2018 version, with significant amendments. Shipper obligations are expanded: Article 23 now requires the shipper to provide the carrier with the official name of dangerous goods and necessary protective measures, in addition to type, quantity, hazardous nature, and emergency response details. This aims to enhance safety documentation and communication.
Administrative permit improvements
Article 21 details procedures for ships carrying dangerous goods entering or leaving ports. Conditions include compliance with safe water transport requirements and port operational qualifications. Applicants must submit a declaration form, vessel fitness certificate, and relevant port licenses 24 hours before port entry or departure (or before leaving the previous port if voyage is under 24 hours). The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) will prescribe the declaration form format.
Faster approval timelines
Article 22 reduces MSA's feedback time for periodic declarations from 7 working days (under Regulation 2018) to 5 working days. This change aims to expedite approvals for ships carrying dangerous goods, benefiting logistics efficiency for time-sensitive chemical shipments.
Ship-to-ship transfer rules
Article 32 elaborates on procedures for STS transfer operations of inland waterway dangerous goods or bulk liquid dangerous goods at sea outside port waters. Conditions include providing safety data sheets (SDS), ensuring vessel/facility fitness, personnel competency, and suitable operational waters. Applicants must submit an application form, fitness certificate, personnel competency proof, and an STS operation plan with safety measures and emergency response plans.
Penalty clarification
For violations related to hazardous chemicals transport, Regulation 2024 will no longer apply; penalties will instead follow the Regulations on the Administration of Safety of Hazardous Chemicals. This clarifies the legal basis for enforcement, reducing ambiguity for chemical shippers and carriers.
What buyers should watch
Overseas importers and distributors should ensure their Chinese suppliers and logistics partners update dangerous goods declarations to include official names and protective measures. The 24-hour pre-arrival submission requirement and 5-day approval timeline mean careful planning is needed to avoid port delays. STS operations require comprehensive documentation, so buyers using transshipment should verify compliance with new rules.
China sourcing context
China remains a major hub for chemical production and export. These regulatory updates align with broader efforts to improve maritime safety and environmental protection. Foreign buyers should work with experienced freight forwarders familiar with MSA procedures to navigate the new requirements smoothly.
Source: Read the original report | Published: February 04, 2025