By Katherine Jiang    Photo：CANVA

In the ocean export business in China, container packing for general cargo is relatively simple, with standardized procedures and lower risks. However, when dangerous goods are exported in containers, one procedure must never be skipped: onsite supervision of container packing. In Chinese logistics practice, this is often called “maritime loading supervision”. A qualified container packing inspector attends the packing operation to inspect and supervise the work. Many clients and new practitioners may wonder: even when the required dangerous goods packaging certificates, classification reports and other documents are complete, why does an inspector still need to attend the packing operation?

In fact, the core purpose of loading supervision is to control risks at the source, prevent maritime accidents involving dangerous goods, and protect vessels, personnel and the marine environment throughout transportation.

As we all know, dangerous goods carry high risks. They include flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic, oxidizing and polluting substances. Once such goods leak, break, are improperly mixed or unsecured during sea transit, the consequences vary. In minor cases, it leads to cargo or container damage, container detention and return shipment. In severe cases, fires, explosions, seawater contamination and vessel emergencies may occur. These incidents will not only cause huge economic losses, but also threaten the lives of crew members and result in irreversible severe marine pollution.

Because dangerous goods carry high risks and leave little room for error, current Chinese regulations require container packing inspectors to inspect the packing of dangerous goods containers on site. These inspectors direct or monitor packing on behalf of their employers. Once the packing requirements have been met, they sign a Container Packing Certificate to confirm compliance with packing safety requirements. Maritime authorities oversee compliance and carry out spot checks on how inspectors perform their duties.

First of all, onsite supervision verifies whether dangerous goods packaging meets the requirements.

Dangerous goods transport has specific requirements for packaging type, packing group, load capacity, sealing and any applicable limits on use. Packaging must comply with the relevant national standards and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. In daily operations, hidden problems may occur, such as aging packaging, damaged cases, insufficient inner lining, loosely tightened barrel lids, or packaging that does not match the cargo. Operators may overlook these details during self inspection. Container packing inspectors check the condition of the packaging to ensure that it is intact and suitable for the goods, reducing the risk of leakage, cracking and breakage during transit.

Secondly, supervision focuses on standardizing loading, stowage, securing and segregation inside containers.

General cargo also needs proper stowage and securing. Dangerous goods require additional attention to crushing, movement, friction and incompatible mixing. Vessels bump and sway during ocean voyages. If goods are stacked too high, poorly secured with loose pallets, or incompatible hazardous materials are placed together, chemical reactions, ignition from friction and spreading leaks may easily occur. Container packing inspectors supervise and guide loading on site, applying segregation rules, stacking limits and securing requirements to keep the cargo stable, distribute loads evenly and prevent incompatible goods from being packed together.

Thirdly, a full inspection is carried out to check whether hazard labels and marine pollutant marks are properly affixed.

The size, position, quantity and clarity of hazard labels, along with any required marine pollutant marks and warning labels, are key items in packing inspections. Clear and correctly applied markings help terminals, carriers and operators identify cargo risks quickly and take appropriate action during loading, storage and emergency response.

Fourthly, supervision helps workers follow procedures and reduces human error.

Unsafe practices are an important source of risk in dangerous goods transport: rough handling, stacking packages upside down, packing incompatible goods together and taking shortcuts with securing. Container packing inspectors oversee the operation throughout loading, require workers to follow procedures for dangerous goods, and prevent unsafe and noncompliant practices, greatly reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.

Fifthly, supervision allows hazards to be identified and corrected on site.

If packaging damage, leakage, missing labels or inadequate securing are found during container loading, supervisors will stop the operation immediately and demand rectification on site. Containers with hidden risks will not be sealed and shipped, blocking risks before vessel loading.

Finally, photos and records are kept throughout loading to support traceability.

Container packing inspectors photograph the container interior and corresponding container number before, during and after packing, and retain the packing records as required. Once the packing requirements have been met, they sign a Container Packing Certificate as required. If subsequent inspections, accident investigations or liability disputes arise, complete supervision records provide important evidence for establishing responsibility and demonstrating compliance.

Loading supervision checks packaging, handling, stowage, markings and safety hazards, while keeping records for traceability. These checks minimize risks in dangerous goods shipments and protect vessels, the marine environment and the people involved. Before dangerous goods containers are exported, both the documentation and the packing inspection need to be completed properly.

Appreciate if you could share TGL Blog among your friends who are interested in first-hand market information of supply chain and updated economic incidents.