MSDS Section 14 Transport Information: How to Read It Correctly
Provide detailed information on what is included in section 14 of the MSDS (Transport Information), how UN numbers and hazard classification are interpreted, and the impact on international transport of dangerous goods.
What's MSDS Section 14?
Section 14 of the MSDS:Transport informationPartly, it is the central basis for judging whether chemicals can be transported internationally. Under the GHS standard and the Chinese GB/T 16483 norm, section 14 of MSDS must contain all key information relevant to transport.
For the international transport of dangerous goods (air, sea, courier), section 14 is the primary source of information for Carrier's cargo audit. If the information in section 14 is incomplete or inaccurate, the goods are likely to be rejected or delayed.
What does section 14 of the MSDS contain?
In accordance with standard norms, MSDS section 14 should contain at least the following items:
| Item | Annotations | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| UN Number | United Nations Dangerous Goods No., e.g. UN1993 and UN3480 | Highest |
| Special name for transport | UN Specification Official Transport Name, e.g. "FLAMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S." | Highest |
| Classification of dangerous goods | Like Class 3, Class 6.1, Class 8, Class 9 | Highest |
| Packaging category | PG I / PG II / PG III | It's important. |
| Packaging signs | Marking and labelling required for transport | It's important. |
| Marine pollutants | Marine Pollutant | • Maritime requirements |
| Transport attention | Special requirements for handling, transportation, storage | References |
| As per IATA/ICAO | Packaging instructions and limits for air transportation | Air transportation requirements |
How can UN numbers and hazard classification be correctly interpreted?
Meaning of UN number
The UN number is the only four-digit number assigned to each dangerous goods by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. For example:
- UN1993Flammable liquids, not otherwise specified
- UN3480: Lithium ion batteries transported separately
- UN1845: Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide)
- UN3090: Lithium metal batteries transported separately
The same UN number corresponds to the only dangerous goods, but different products may share the same UN number (e.g. "no other specified" category).
Meaning of hazard classification
Dangerous goods are classified into 9 main categories:
- Category 1: Explosive
- Category 2Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
- Category 3Flammable liquids
- Category 4Flammable solids, self-flammable substances, flammable gas substances released in water
- Category 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
- Category 6Toxic and infectious substances
- Category 7: Radioactive material
- Category 8Corrosive substances
- Category 9: Miscellaneous hazardous substances and articles (including lithium batteries, dry ice, magnetic substances, etc.)
Impact of section 14 of MSDS on transport
Decision on transportability
Carrier (FedEx, DHL, UPS, Airlines) first looked at section 14 of MSDS to determine whether the goods were dangerous and whether the dangerous goods were within its range.
Decision on mode of transport
Different hazard categories, packaging classes and quantities determine whether goods can be transported by passenger aircraft or only by cargo aircraft.
Decision on packing requirements
The hazard classification and packing levels directly determine what performance level UN packaging is required. PG I requires the highest level of packaging and PG III requires relatively low levels.
Decision on reporting requirements
The need to fill in the declaration of hazardous materials (Shipper's declaration) and the need for signatures of operators whose training and responsibilities have been verified depend on the classification information in section 14.
FAQ
Question 1: Why is section 14 of my MSDS empty?
There are usually two types of situations:
- Products are not dangerous.: If the product does not fall into any hazard category, section 14 of the MSDS may write "non-hazardous goods" or leave blank.
- MSDS incompleteSome of the country's SDSs only write about health hazards and no classification of transport. In such cases, supplier replenishment is required or a third party is entrusted with the identification of the conditions of transport.
Question 2: Can MSDS be used for international transport only in Chinese?
The preliminary assessment can be made available in Chinese, but ultimately the carrier review usually requires an English version of the MSDS. It is recommended that the English version be prepared well in advance of delivery.
Question 3: Why can't MSDS Section 14 say "unregulated" or do it on a general basis?
This is because different countries and carriers may have different classification criteria. The "non-regulated" on MSDS may be based on domestic regulations, but international transport needs to meet international rules such as IATA DGR, IMDG, etc. The recommendations are submitted to us for a professional assessment.
GENORDA assessment process
Upon receipt of your MSDS, GENORDA's DG compliance team will:
- Check the completeness and accuracy of Section 14 information
- Confirms whether UN numbers and classifications are correct
- Assessment of applicable transport channels and packaging programmes
- DG pre-approval referral to FedEx/DHL/UPS, if required
- Shipment assessment and quotation intake
Declarations of exemption:This paper provides only a general reading of section 14 of the MSDS and does not constitute a legal recommendation or a commitment to transport. Specific transport programmes depend on the full MSDS, product realities, current carrier rules and national regulations of destination. It is recommended that a full MSDS be submitted for a vote evaluation.