Abstract: Class 3 dangerous goods solvents, such as n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and n-heptane, are flammable liquids that pose a risk of fire and explosion during transport. China customs has issued new regulations that require these solvents to use steel drums with a tare weight of at least 19 kg, in order to ensure the safety and quality of the packaging. This article explains the rationale behind this requirement, and the implications for shippers and importers of class 3 dangerous goods solvents in China.
Keywords: China customs, class 3 dangerous goods, solvents, steel drums, tare weight
Article:
Class 3 dangerous goods solvents are liquids that have a flash point of not more than 60.5°C, or liquids that are transported or offered for transport at temperatures at or above their flash point[^1^][3]. Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form a flammable mixture with air. Some examples of class 3 dangerous goods solvents are n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and n-heptane, which are widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries.
These solvents are hazardous because they can easily ignite and cause fire and explosion when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames. Therefore, they need to be transported in suitable packaging that can prevent leakage, withstand pressure, and resist impact. According to the international dangerous goods regulations for sea and air transport, the packaging of class 3 dangerous goods solvents must have a UN specification marking that indicates the material, type, category, capacity, test pressure, and year of manufacture of the packaging[^1^][3].
However, China customs has imposed additional requirements for the packaging of class 3 dangerous goods solvents that are imported or exported into and out of China. On 10 January 2021, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) issued Announcement No. 129 on Questions Regarding the Inspection on Imported and Exported Hazardous Chemicals and their Packaging[^2^][1]. This announcement specifies that class 3 dangerous goods solvents, such as n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and n-heptane, must use steel drums with a tare weight of at least 19 kg[^2^][1]. Tare weight is the weight of an empty container or vehicle.
The reason for this requirement is to ensure the safety and quality of the packaging of class 3 dangerous goods solvents. Steel drums are more durable and resistant than other types of packaging, such as plastic drums or jerricans, and can better protect the solvents from external factors, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight. Moreover, steel drums with a tare weight of at least 19 kg have a higher wall thickness and a lower risk of deformation or damage during transport[^2^][1]. This can prevent the leakage or spillage of the solvents, which could cause environmental pollution, health hazards, or fire accidents.
The implication of this requirement is that shippers and importers of class 3 dangerous goods solvents in China need to comply with the new customs regulations and use the appropriate packaging for their solvents. Otherwise, they may face delays, fines, or rejection of their shipments by the customs authority. Shippers and importers also need to provide data on the hazardous chemicals and their packaging, such as declarations of conformity, inspection and identification reports, and UN specification markings, to the customs authority for verification[^2^][1].
In conclusion, China customs has issued new regulations that require class 3 dangerous goods solvents, such as n-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and n-heptane, to use steel drums with a tare weight of at least 19 kg, in order to ensure the safety and quality of the packaging. This requirement is based on the rationale of preventing fire and explosion hazards, and protecting the environment and human health. Shippers and importers of class 3 dangerous goods solvents in China need to follow the new regulations and use the suitable packaging for their solvents, as well as provide the necessary data and documents to the customs authority.