Exporting dangerous goods involves strict timing at each stage to ensure timely and safe shipment. Here's a detailed guide to help foreign trade merchants adhere to crucial timeframes for a smooth export process.
Validity of Shipping Prices:
Shipping companies usually update prices for dangerous goods every half month. Rates are effective from the 1st-14th and 15th-30th/31st of each month, with updates typically issued 3 days before the new period begins. Factors such as war in the Red Sea, drought in the Panama Canal, port strikes, or tight space can lead to price adjustments or surcharges.
1. Booking Time:
Book space for dangerous goods 10-14 days in advance. It takes 2-3 days to review and approve bookings, considering uncontrollable factors like shared cabins, combined sailings, and DG (Dangerous Goods) approvals. Allow ample time to manage these factors, as delays or rejections can occur.
2. Cut-off Time for Goods:
This is the deadline for delivering goods to the designated warehouse or terminal. For dangerous goods, deliver 5-6 days before the ship departs. This allows time for container pickup, warehouse loading, and other processes. Late deliveries can result in missed sailings. Ensure delivery by the specified cut-off time for smooth operations.
3. Cut-off Time for Shipping Instructions (SI):
This is the last date to submit the Bill of Lading (B/L) confirmation to the shipping company. After this, no changes can be made to the B/L. The cut-off is generally after container pickup, around 7 days before sailing, due to a 7-day free container use period at the port of origin. Post-cut-off changes to cargo details may incur amendment fees.
4. Cut-off Time for Dangerous Goods Declarations:
This is crucial for exporting dangerous goods. Declare dangerous goods information to the Maritime Safety Administration before the shipping company's SI cut-off. This ensures goods can be shipped. Typically, the cut-off is 4-5 working days before the ship departs but may vary. Plan ahead to avoid delays. Note that declaration cut-offs are based on working days, so consider holidays in advance.
5. Customs Declaration and Port Entry:
Declare customs 2-3 days before sailing. At Shanghai Outer Port, goods can enter before customs declaration; at Yangshan Port, customs declaration is required before port entry.
Conclusion
- 10-14 days before departure: Book space.
- 5-6 days before departure: Cut-off for goods.
- After container pickup (7 days before departure): Cut-off for SI.
- 4-5 days before departure: Cut-off for DG declarations.
- 2-3 days before departure: Customs declaration.
- 24 hours before departure: Port entry.
Remember, these timeframes may vary by shipping company, route, cargo type, and local regulations. Maintain close communication with your freight forwarder, shipping company, and relevant government agencies to ensure compliance and a smooth export process.