China to Implement New Standards on Inspection of Export Packaging of Dangerous Goods

The SN/T 0370-2021 serial standards for inspection of export packaging of dangerous goods will come into force on June 1, 2022, replacing the SN/T 0370-2009 serial standards that have been in effect since 2010. 

The updated industrial standards were issued by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on November 22, 2021, consisting of

• SN/T 0370.1-2021 Rules for the Inspection of Packaging for Export Dangerous Goods - Part 1: General Specification,

• SN/T 0370.2-2021 Rules for the Inspection of Packaging for Export Dangerous Goods - Part 2: Performance Test and

• SN/T 0370.3-2021 Rules for the Inspection of Packaging for Export Dangerous Goods - Part 3: Use Appraisal.   

The standards apply to the packaging of dangerous goods for export with a volume of not more than 450L (for liquids) and a net weight of not more than 400Kg (except for pressure receptacles, radioactive and infectious substances), and stipulate the requirements for classification, coding, marking and labeling of packagings, as well as the requirements of packaging performance inspection.

Highlights of the standards are summarized as below:

• Limited quantity (LQ) marks：

1. The minimum dimensions of the mark shall be 100 mm x 100 mm.

2. The mark should be readily visible and durable.

• Lithium-ion cells and batteries mark：

1. The minimum dimensions of the mark shall be 120 mm x 110 mm.

2. Only products subject to Article 188 of the Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) shall be marked.

• Validity period of the Entry-Exit Goods Packaging Performance Inspection Result Form is 12 months from the production date of the packaging. Packaging containers that exceed the validity period need to undergo another performance inspection, and the newly issued Result Form is valid within 6 months from the inspection date.

• Materials that shall be submitted for commodity inspection by China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ)：
  

1. Factory Inspection Form issued by users of the packaging of dangerous goods.;

2. Entry-Exit Goods Packaging Performance Inspection Result Form (original)

3. Test report or self-declaration on compatibility for more than 6 months between container and dangerous goods for the first-time used plastic containers, plastic composite containers, and inner coated or plated containers.

4. Identification report for classification of hazardous characteristics of dangerous goods.

•  Special requirements for packaging of dangerous goods exported by air：

1. Packaging (including inner packaging) containing liquid should be able to withstand the internal pressure above 95kPa without leakage.

2. Qualification report of air tightness test for each packaging containing liquid dangerous goods shall be provided.