CLASSIFICAÇÃO

Hazardous cargo

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) classifies products that contain substances considered hazardous, in order to organize and regulate the transport and logistics of cargo. For each class there are rules to be observed regarding packaging, accommodation, and specific treatments.

According to the characteristics of the product, it is classified into one of the 9 existing classes or their subclasses, as follows:

Class 1: Explosives in general

Substances that produce large amounts of gases and heat.

Class 2: Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved under pressure gases

They are easily dispersed in the air and often have no odor or color.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

They generate combustion reaction when at high temperatures.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Substances that become flammable when in contact with flames or friction.

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Materials that can release oxygen.

Class 6: Poisonous Substances (Toxic)

Chemicals capable of causing damage to health, even in small amounts.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Goods whose released energy is invisible, and its detection is only possible by specialized devices. Only the shielding of the container ensures that radioactivity does not spread.

Class 8: Corrosive Substances

This type of substance can cause burns and corrosion on materials or even on the skin.

Class 9: General Hazardous Substances

Products that, for their nature, do not fit into the other classes, but are considered dangerous.

In addition to the documents already used for a common import, it is still necessary:

  • Indicative label to ensure correct handling and packaging.
  • FISPQ (Chemical Product Data Sheet).
  • Emergency Form.
  • MDGF (Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form); and
  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is normal that there are surcharges for the transport of dangerous goods, which results in an increase to the value of international and national freight.