Documentation and declaration
What this domain tests
This domain tests the dangerous goods transport document and the container packing certificate: who prepares them, what must appear, in what form, and what makes a declaration defective.
The transport document
- Prepared and signed by the shipper, commonly on the multimodal dangerous goods form. Entries appear in a set sequence: UN number, proper shipping name (with technical name in brackets for N.O.S. entries), class or division and subsidiary risk, packing group, number and kind of packages, total quantity with its unit.
- For class 3 goods with a flash point of 61 °C or below, the flash point in degrees Celsius, closed cup, must be shown.
- A marine pollutant statement is required where applicable, even if the substance is not otherwise regulated for carriage.
- Limited quantity and excepted quantity consignments need the corresponding statement.
- Class 1 needs the net explosive content and compatibility group; class 7 needs the category and transport index.
The container packing certificate
- Required for cargo transport units. It declares that the unit is clean, dry and fit, that the goods are packed and secured in accordance with the Code, and that no incompatible goods share the unit.
- It may be combined with the transport document but remains a separate declaration, signed by the person responsible for packing.
Worked example
A declaration reads 'UN 1263 Paint, class 3, 400 kg'. Reasoning: the packing group is missing; the flash point is missing although the goods may be at or below 61 °C; the number and kind of packages are missing; 'Paint' is a valid PSN but if an N.O.S. entry were used the technical name would be needed; and no container packing certificate is attached. The document would be rejected.
Traps
- Trade names instead of the proper shipping name.
- Omitting the flash point for class 3.
- Mixing kilograms and litres without a unit.
- Assuming the packing certificate is issued by the ship.