Dangerous
Goods Classification
Classifying goods for transport is not the same
as establishing its customs clearance number, as they have different purposes.
This concept is still deeply rooted in most people involved in foreign trade
transactions.
Customs regulations have almost no relationship
with safety conditions in the transport of dangerous goods. And one of the most
important issues to determine such safety conditions is the allocation of a UN
number and a proper shipping name, as well as the determination of the relevant
type of risk and, if applicable, the packaging group (which indicates how
dangerous the relevant goods may be). This is classification for transport.
A mistake in the classification for transport may entail mistakes in the
determination of conditions for transport and, obviously, it may also have very
serious consequences if those conditions trigger an accident.
A UN Number and a proper shipping name are not
good for customs clearance. Similarly, a clearance customs number is not enough
to determine if certain goods are dangerous for transport.
The main responsible for classifying a product
for transport is the shipper, who defines if the goods are dangerous or not for
transport. If the goods to be transported are dangerous, shipper must prepare
and sign a Shipper's Declaration stating that the contents of the shipment have
been duly classified, packaged, marked and labeled, and that all requirements
under transport regulations have been met.
In fact, a customs officer or agent may
represent the Shipper and act as such when the goods are sent and he/she may
sign the Declaration, with the same effects stated above. In fact, this
situation is expressly contemplated in the Dangerous Goods Regulations of the
International Air Transport Association (IATA), which further states that the
individual signing on behalf of the shipper must be duly trained regarding this
issue. Thus, IATA implemented training through well-known schools or IATA
Schools, which are endorsed by such institution.
Meanwhile, regarding sea transport, training of
land staff is mandatory since January 2010, though there is no certification
system for courses on sea transport of dangerous goods. This new requirement
was imposed by the International Maritime Organization after the fire in vessel
Hyundai Fortune in March 2006, allegedly due to dangerous cargo not declared,
i.e., cargo classified as not dangerous by shipper.
We always highlight the importance of a proper
classification of goods for their transport.
Customs clearance will be correct if a customs
clearance number is assigned which truly reflects the goods to be exported.
However, this does not ensure that the goods will be safe for transportation,
even less, in the case of dangerous goods.
Translated by Camila Rufino, accredited translator
