1. Hazardous Chemicals Catalog Overview
China implements catalog-based management for hazardous chemicals. Importers must first determine whether their goods fall within relevant regulatory catalog scopes.
📋 Hazardous Chemicals Catalog (2015)
Core catalog with 2,828 entries. Substances with exact name matches or meeting identification criteria are regulated as hazardous chemicals.
⚠️ Controlled Chemicals Catalog (Precursor Chemicals)
Class I, II, III precursor chemicals. Import requires Dual-Use Items and Technologies Import License.
💥 Explosive Precursors Catalog (2017)
Chemicals usable in manufacturing explosives. Import requires purchase permit from public security authorities.
🔬 Scheduled Chemicals Catalog
Import requires Special Scheduled Chemical Import Permit.
Catalog matching
Concentration rules
Per GB/T 16483
Obtain permits
2. China Customs DG Catalog Management — Three Scenarios
2.1 Scenario 1: Specific Catalog Listing
Description: The chemical name, CAS number, or common name of the goods exactly matches an entry in the Hazardous Chemicals Catalog (2015).
Applicable cases:
- Single chemical substance: Acetone (CAS 67-64-1), Methanol (CAS 67-56-1), etc.
- Mixture main ingredient: Primary active ingredient in mixture is catalog-listed
- Derivatives or salts: Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.
| Requirement | Content | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous chemicals inspection | Apply to customs | GAC Announcement 2020 No.129 |
| Compliance declaration | Import DG operator compliance declaration | AQSIQ Order No.12 |
| Chinese label | Compliant with GB 15258-2009 | GB 15258-2009 |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Compliant with GB/T 16483-2008 | GB/T 16483-2008 |
2.2 Scenario 2: Mixtures with Catalog-Listed Ingredients >70%
Description: When the sum of concentrations of Hazardous Chemicals Catalog-listed ingredients in a mixture exceeds 70%, the mixture is regulated as a hazardous chemical.
Example: A coating contains Benzene (15%) + Xylene (35%) + Toluene (25%) = 75% > 70%, classified as hazardous chemical.
Notes:
- Concentration is calculated as mass fraction (%), must match SDS
- If GHS classification assessment shows it is not a hazardous good, exemption may be applied
- Commission a qualified testing institution for Hazard Characteristic Classification Appraisal Report
2.3 Scenario 3: Item 2828 — Mixed Flammable Liquids
Description: Item 2828 "Flammable Liquids" in the Hazardous Chemicals Catalog (2015) has special classification rules for mixed flammable liquids.
Scope of Item 2828:
- Benzene, crude benzene (mixtures with benzene content ≥10%)
- Methanol, ethanol, propanol and other low-carbon alcohols
- Acetone, MEK, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.
- Petroleum ether, solvent naphtha, extraction solvent oil, etc.
- Xylene, trimethylbenzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons
- Alkyd resin paints, nitro paints, PU paints, etc.
3. Pre-Shipment Confirmation for Import DG
3.1 Regulatory Category Confirmation
- Confirm if goods are listed in Hazardous Chemicals Catalog (2015)
- Confirm if goods are in Controlled Chemicals (Precursor) Catalog
- Confirm if goods are in Explosive Precursors Catalog (2017)
- Confirm if goods are in Scheduled Chemicals Catalog
- Confirm if goods are in Strictly Restricted Toxic Chemicals Catalog (2018)
3.2 Dangerous Goods Packaging Inspection
- Dangerous goods UN number (UN NO.)
- Dangerous goods packaging UN mark (UN PACKAGE CODE)
- Example:
1H1/Y1.3/100/12indicates plastic drum packaging
3.3 One-Document-One-Label Requirements
📄 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Chinese-language MSDS compliant with GB/T 16483-2008
🏷️ GHS Chinese Label
Chinese-language safety label compliant with GB 15258-2009
Important: If using non-GB-compliant versions, proceed to the competent authority for SDS/Label certification first.
4. Pre-Arrival Declaration Process
| No. | Document | English Name | Provided By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bill of Lading | OCEAN BILL or AIR BILL | Shipping company |
| 2 | Dangerous Goods Declaration | DANGEROUS GOODS DECLARATION | Shipper |
| 3 | Packaging Code | UN PACKAGE CODE | Shipper |
| 4 | GHS Chinese Label Sample | GHS LABEL IN CHINESE | Shipper |
5. Customs Clearance Documents for Import DG
5.1 Basic Clearance Documents
| No. | Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bill of Lading | Ocean B/L or air waybill |
| 2 | Customs Declaration Authorization | Customs broker authorization |
| 3 | Inspection Declaration Authorization | CIQ broker authorization |
| 4 | Commercial Invoice | INVOICE |
| 5 | Packing List | PACKING LIST |
| 6 | Contract | CONTRACT |
5.2 Hazardous Chemicals-Specific Documents
| No. | Document | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Import DG Operator Compliance Declaration | AQSIQ Order No.12 |
| 2 | Product Quality Safety Self-Responsibility Declaration | - |
| 3 | Import DG Characteristics & Packaging Description | - |
| 4 | Inhibitor or Stabilizer Description | - |
| 5 | Non-Human Consumption Declaration | - |
| 6 | Entry-Exit Goods Consignee Quality Safety Declaration | - |
| 7 | Chinese SDS | GB/T 16483-2008 |
| 8 | Chinese GHS Label Sample | GB 15258-2009 |
| 9 | Import DG Declaration Elements | - |
| 10 | Wood/Non-Wood Packaging Declaration | ISPM 15 |
6. GB Standards System & Documentation Requirements
6.1 Key GB Standards Overview
| Standard No. | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 16483-2008 | SDS — Content Structure and Development | SDS content structure and authoring requirements |
| GB 15258-2009 | GHS Labels — Development Requirements | GHS Chinese label authoring requirements |
| GB 30000.1-2013 | Classification and Labeling (Part 1) | Chemical classification principles |
| GB 30000.2~29-2013 | Classification and Labeling (All Classes) | 28 hazard class classifications |
| GB/T 17519-2013 | SDS Development Guidelines | Detailed SDS authoring guidance |
| GB 12463-2009 | DG Transport Packaging General Specs | Dangerous goods packaging requirements |
6.2 SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Requirements
SDS must contain 16 sections:
- Hazard identification
- Composition/ingredient information
- Hazard classification
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls/personal protection
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
7. Import Dual-Use Items Management Requirements
7.1 Dual-Use Items Definition
Dual-use items are goods, technologies, and services with both civilian and military applications, or those contributing to weapons of mass destruction manufacturing:
- Dual-use items and technologies (applicable to weapons manufacturing)
- Nuclear proliferation items (nuclear materials, technology)
- Chemical weapon precursors (applicable to chemical weapons manufacturing)
- Biological dual-use items (applicable to biological weapons)
7.2 Dual-Use Items Import Management
Important: Importing dual-use items requires corresponding permits. Failure to comply will result in severe penalties.
| Item Type | Management Basis | License Type |
|---|---|---|
| Precursor chemicals | Precursor Chemicals Regulations | Dual-Use Items and Technologies Import License |
| Scheduled chemicals | Scheduled Chemicals Regulations | Special Scheduled Chemical Import Permit |
| Radioactive materials | Radioisotope and Radiation Devices Regulations | Import approval document |
| Nuclear dual-use items | Nuclear Export Regulations | Nuclear Import License |
7.3 Dual-Use Items Import Process
Check if dual-use category
Submit to authority
Provide license documents
Cooperate with inspection
8. Special Notes & FAQs
8.1 Special Cases
⚠️ Cargo Arrived but SDS/Labels Not Ready: Rectification operations must be carried out per competent authority requirements.
⚠️ Label Content Does Not Match SDS: Both must be consistent. Any discrepancy must be corrected before import.
⚠️ SDS Version Not GB-Compliant: Go through SDS/Label certification process at the competent authority.
8.2 FAQs
A: Dangerous goods follow the UN DG classification system (9 classes). Hazardous chemicals follow GHS classification (28 categories). Their regulatory authorities and management approaches differ. Some goods may fall under both categories.
A: Sum the mass percentages of all Hazardous Chemicals Catalog-listed ingredients. If the sum ≥70%, the mixture is regulated as hazardous chemical. Commission a qualified testing institution for Hazard Characteristic Classification Appraisal Report if needed.
A: May face customs fines, goods seizure, import bans, and in serious cases, criminal liability. Importers must ensure full compliance before import.
A: Not all. Some are subject to catalog-based management with compliance declaration only. Others require import licenses (e.g., precursor chemicals, scheduled chemicals). Confirm the specific requirements for your product.