Tianjin: China strengthens hazardous cargo shipment regulations ?

Following the chemical explosions at the port of Tianjin earlier this month, there are unconfirmed reports that the Chinese Government has strengthened the existing rules and regulations concerning hazardous cargo shipments, according to the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

"We understand that effective from 15 August, Shanghai Customs requests that all import and export cargo must be labeled both in Chinese and English otherwise it will be in detained in Customs custody," BIFA said in a statement.

"The label must include commodity, UN number, composition, warning sign, emergency contact and possibly more."

BIFA underlined that it might be quite difficult for overseas exporters to issue labels in Chinese and advised that they should clarify any changes in requirements with their Chinese counterparts before sending any dangerous goods shipments.