The Importance of Interactive Simulations in Learning

There is strict responsibility when it comes to exporting chemicals and other dangerous goods. A single inaccurate hazard label will result in expensive port wharfage, penalties and safety issues. The right labels assist the workers to know the hazards of fast and easy international shipping via all the touchpoints in the supply chain.
It is time to make it easy so that exporters can remain comfortable and conforming.

Learn Your Product First

You must also have a clear idea of what you are shipping before deciding on which label to use. The SDS is considered to provide the following information:

• Hazard classification
• Physiological and chemical characteristics.
• Packaging requirements
• Handling and storage rules

Each hazardous material is assigned with the UN numbers. It ensures that there is uniform identification across borders and informs the authorities of the label, packaging and documents that are required.
The regulations change (particularly chemical logistics) and therefore ensure that your SDS is updated at all times before you settle on the shipment.

Associate Labels to Transport Mode

The labels of hazards are based on the mode of transportation of the cargo. road, sea, and aircraft: various laws are applicable:

• IMDG Code – Ocean freight
• IATA DGR – Compliance: Air cargo.
• ADR – Road and rail in most countries.
• GHS labels – Chemical packaging- Handling and storage.

The GHS pictogram that is needed in the warehouse may be entirely different when it comes to loading a shipping container. It is the place where exporters usually fall, the packaged is right to be stored but not to be transported worldwide.
Such a simple talk with your freight forwarder can assist in preventing mistakes in compliance and risk in conducting international shipping safety.

There Should Be No Compromise on Quality of Labels

Even the right label cannot work when it peels off or fades on the way. Ports and airports are subject to heat, moisture and rough handling.
Keep these basics in check:

• High-strength adhesive
• Juxtaposition to readability.
• Labels on visible surfaces that are flat.
• Eliminate old or conflicting warnings.

The regulators require labels to remain intact between the source and destination. The biggest cause of compliance problems and shipment delays in the packaging is weak labeling.

Labels and Placards: Do Not Confuse Them

It is one of the most widespread errors of export logistics.

• Hazard labels are put on packages, cartons, drums.
• Placards are attached to containers, tanks, and vehicles.

Placards will be required in case you are transporting bulk chemicals or IBCs of large size. Risk is communicated in both, and used to very different enforcement purposes.
Mismatched documentation and labels mean that freight will be held up, and freight port delays will cost money.

Ask an Expert When Things Get Tricky

There are those products that struck several hazard categories. There are those that are subject to limited quantity. And there is the added complexity of multimodal routing.
The usage of a compliance specialist may assist when:

• Hazard classes overlap each other.
• The product is new to export
• Destination country regulations are different.
• Port officers demand further check.
  

This is among the simplest methods of minimizing rework and eliminating delays that reduce cash flow and destroy customer confidence.

Final Thoughts

The hazard labels do not just exist in the form of stickers. They ensure the security of people and cargo, and the environment. Shipment can be made safer and easier when the exporters follow the hazard classification, select appropriate dangerous goods markings to be used to transport the items worldwide, and provide excellent label quality.
Be compliant, minimize risk and establish trust in all aspects of your supply chain.

Keep Your Cargo Moving

FAK Cargo supports shippers with ocean freight forwarding services, air freight logistics, and on-ground port agency services for bulk liquid cargo.
Our experience serves to avoid delays by customers in customs before they can destroy your supply chain.

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