Maritime DG Declaration (海运危险货物申报)
Last updated: June 14, 2026
- The Maritime DG Declaration is a formal declaration to China MSA required before loading any DG cargo onto a vessel
- Must be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel departure — we submit 48-72 hours ahead for MSA review
- Requires DG Packaging Certificate, MSDS, and accurate IMDG Code classification — errors cause rejection and delays
Maritime DG Declaration (海运危险货物申报) is a formal declaration submitted to China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) before loading DG cargo onto a vessel. It must include the DG class, UN number, proper shipping name, packaging details, stowage requirements, and a valid DG Packaging Certificate — without it, DG cargo cannot be legally loaded.
Chinese: 海运危险货物申报 / 海事申报 (Hǎishì shēnbào)
The Declaration Process
At least 24 hours before vessel departure (we target 48-72 hours for safety), the declaration package is submitted to MSA: (1) completed Maritime DG Declaration form with DG class, UN number, proper shipping name per IMDG Code, packaging group, flash point (if applicable), marine pollutant status, and stowage category; (2) DG Packaging Certificate; (3) MSDS; (4) packing list; (5) commercial invoice. MSA reviews and either approves, requests corrections, or rejects. Only after MSA approval can the terminal accept the DG container and the carrier load it.
Practical Example
Great Hensen prepares a Maritime DG Declaration for a Class 3 flammable liquid shipment (UN1263, paint, PG II, flash point 14°C) from Qingdao to Singapore. The declaration specifies: proper shipping name "PAINT" per IMDG Code, Class 3, UN1263, PG II, flash point 14°C, marine pollutant: no, stowage category B (on deck), and emergency contact +86-532-XXXX-XXXX. The declaration is submitted to Qingdao MSA 60 hours before vessel ETD along with the DG Packaging Certificate and MSDS. MSA approves 24 hours later. The carrier and terminal receive the MSA approval number, and the container is accepted into the DG yard.
Related Terms
- DG Packaging Certificate (危包证) — prerequisite for the declaration
- MSDS — safety data sheet submitted with the declaration
- IMDG Code — defines the DG classification used in the declaration
Frequently Asked Questions
When must the Maritime DG Declaration be submitted?
The declaration must be submitted to China MSA at least 24 hours before vessel ETD. We submit 48-72 hours before departure to allow MSA review and correction time. Late submission can delay the entire vessel — MSA has authority to hold the vessel if DG declarations are incomplete or missing. See our DG freight FAQ for more on compliance timelines.
What documents are needed to submit a Maritime DG Declaration?
The package includes: completed declaration form, DG Packaging Certificate, MSDS, packing list, and commercial invoice. For certain high-risk DG classes, additional documents may be required — safety assessment report, emergency response plan, or special MSA approval.
What happens if the Maritime DG Declaration contains errors?
MSA reviews each declaration and will reject submissions with errors — misspelled proper shipping name, incorrect UN number, mismatched DG class. A rejection means re-submission, which delays booking. If cargo is already at the terminal, storage charges apply. Our in-house DG team reviews every declaration against the IMDG Code before submission.
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