How to Apply for DG Packaging Certificate (危包证): Step-by-Step Process

Back to DG Packaging Certificate Guide

1. Before you start: determine which certificate you need

Before opening the Single Window portal, you need to answer one question: what role are you filling in this process? The answer determines which application path you follow.

Nearly every exporter's interaction with 危包证 follows this pattern: your packaging supplier handles Part A, and you handle Part B. But you need to understand both parts because Part B cannot proceed without Part A being complete.

2. Part A: Performance Certificate application (packaging factory side)

The Performance Certificate is the foundation. Without it, the exporter cannot even begin their Use Appraisal application. If you are an exporter, confirm with your packaging supplier that they have completed this step before you plan your shipment timeline.

Step A1: Prepare packaging samples for testing

The packaging manufacturer selects representative samples of each packaging type to be certified. For a typical chemical export using 25L plastic jerrycans, the manufacturer submits 10-15 jerrycans per design variant. For 200L steel drums, typically 5-8 drums per variant.

Samples must be from regular production, not specially prepared. CIQ inspectors may also visit the production line to verify the manufacturing process.

Step A2: Submit application to CIQ

The manufacturer logs into the China International Trade Single Window (www.singlewindow.cn) and navigates to: Standard Applications → Inspection and Quarantine → DG Packaging Inspection → Performance Inspection Application.

Required fields include:

• Packaging type code (e.g., 1H1 for plastic jerrycan, non-removable head; 1A1 for steel drum, non-removable head)
• Material specifications (plastic type, steel gauge, closure type)
• Design specifications (wall thickness, dimensions, maximum capacity)
• Intended DG classes and packing groups
• Manufacturing facility address and production capacity

Step A3: CIQ conducts UN performance tests

Tests are conducted at the CIQ laboratory and follow the IMDG Code Chapter 6.1 requirements. Test duration: 3-7 working days depending on packaging type and test backlog.

Test	What it verifies	Standard	Duration
Drop test	Impact resistance during handling	IMDG 6.1.5.3	1 day
Leakproofness test	No leakage through closures/seams	IMDG 6.1.5.4	1 day
Hydraulic pressure test	Internal pressure resistance (metal, plastic, composite)	IMDG 6.1.5.5	1 day
Stacking test	Load bearing during transport stacking	IMDG 6.1.5.6	24 hours (ambient) or 28 days (plastic, 40C)

Step A4: Receive Performance Certificate

Upon passing all tests, CIQ issues the Performance Certificate electronically through Single Window. The certificate includes a unique certificate number, the UN packaging mark that must appear on every package, maximum gross mass, and the certificate validity period (12 months for sea transport).

The manufacturer provides a copy of this certificate to every customer who buys their certified packaging. Exporters: keep this copy. You will need the certificate number when you apply for Part B.

3. Part B: Use Appraisal Certificate application (exporter side)

This is the exporter's responsibility. You apply for the Use Appraisal Certificate after your goods have been packed into the certified packaging and are ready for shipment.

Step B1: Gather documents before logging in

Before opening Single Window, have these ready:

1. Performance Certificate copy from your packaging manufacturer (the certificate number is mandatory for the application).
2. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for your DG product, in Chinese. Must be current (typically valid for 2-3 years from issue, check the date on your MSDS).
3. DG Classification Report (危险品分类鉴定报告) from a certified laboratory such as the Shanghai Chemical Institute (上海化工研究院). Valid for 12 months.
4. Packing list with UN number, proper shipping name, DG class, packing group, number and type of packages, gross/net weight per package.
5. Photos of the packed goods showing the UN marking on the packaging, DG class labels, and orientation arrows if applicable.
6. Exporter business license (营业执照) scanned copy.

Step B2: Submit via Single Window

1. Log in to www.singlewindow.cn with your enterprise electronic card (法人卡).
2. Navigate: Standard Applications → Inspection and Quarantine → DG Packaging Inspection → Use Appraisal Application (使用鉴定申请).
3. Enter the Performance Certificate number. The system will auto-validate it against the CIQ database. If the number is invalid or expired, the application cannot proceed.
4. Fill in cargo details: UN number, proper shipping name, DG class, packing group, quantity and type of packages, and packing date.
5. Upload all supporting documents. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG formats. Maximum individual file size: 10MB.
6. Submit the application. You will receive a receipt number for tracking.

Step B3: Customs document review

After submission, the application enters the Customs review queue. A reviewing officer checks that:

• The Performance Certificate is valid and the packaging type matches what you are using.
• The DG class on your Classification Report matches the packaging's approved DG classes.
• The MSDS is current and matches the product being shipped.
• All required fields are complete and internally consistent.

Document review typically takes 1-3 working days. If the reviewer finds issues, the application is returned with comments. You can correct and re-submit without paying a new application fee.

4. Online application via China International Trade Single Window

The Single Window platform (www.singlewindow.cn) is the only official channel for DG Packaging Certificate applications in China. According to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Single Window system processes over 90% of all China trade documentation, including DG packaging certifications. All CIQ offices nationwide use the same platform, regardless of which province you are applying from.

Platform navigation walkthrough

Step 1: Login. Use your enterprise electronic card (法人卡) inserted into a USB card reader. The card reader (U盾, USB key) must be connected to your computer. Enter the card PIN when prompted.

Step 2: Enter the DG Packaging module. From the main dashboard, find "Standard Applications" (标准版应用) in the top navigation. Click "Inspection and Quarantine" (检验检疫), then select "DG Packaging Inspection" (危险货物包装检验).

Step 3: Choose application type. Two buttons appear: "Performance Inspection Application" (性能检验申请) and "Use Appraisal Application" (使用鉴定申请). Select the appropriate one.

Step 4: Fill the form. The form has 5 sections: Applicant Information (auto-populated from your enterprise card), Packaging Information (type, UN marking, certificate number), Cargo Information (UN number, class, packing group), Inspection Location (address where packed goods are located for on-site inspection), and Attachment Upload.

Step 5: Submit and track. After submission, the status appears on your dashboard. Statuses: Pending Review (待审核), Documents Returned (退回修改, needs correction), Under Inspection (查验中, inspection scheduled), Approved (已通过, certificate ready for download).

Step 6: Download certificate. Once approved, click "Certificate Download" (证书下载). The electronic certificate is a PDF with a QR code that Customs and MSA officers can scan to verify authenticity. Print at least 3 copies: one for your records, one for the Maritime DG Declaration, and one for the carrier.

5. On-site customs inspection: what inspectors check

After document review passes, Customs schedules an on-site inspection at the location where the goods are packed. According to the China Ministry of Transport (MOT), on-site inspection frequency has been reduced for compliant AEO-certified exporters under the 2025 Differentiated Assessment system. This is a mandatory step for the Use Appraisal Certificate (subject to the 2025 Differentiated Assessment rules described in the pillar guide).

What the inspector verifies

1. Packaging physical match. The inspector compares the actual packaging against the Performance Certificate. Material, dimensions, closure type, and capacity must match. If the packaging on the ground does not match the certificate, the inspection fails.
2. UN marking legibility. The UN packaging mark must be clearly visible, permanently marked (embossed, printed, or stenciled), and meet the minimum size requirement: 12mm character height for standard packages, 6mm for packages 30kg/30L or under.
3. Label dimensions and placement. The inspector measures DG class labels. Class labels must be a minimum of 100mm x 100mm, set at 45 degrees (diamond orientation), with a 5mm inner border line. Labels must be affixed on at least one side (sea transport) or two opposite sides (air transport).
4. Inner packaging and cushioning. If the shipment includes inner packaging (bottles inside boxes, for example), the inspector checks that absorbent material is present, inner packages are properly separated, and closures are secure.
5. Closure security. Drum closures, box seals, and bag ties must be secure and appropriate for the DG class. For liquids, closures must be leakproof with secondary seals where required.

In Qingdao, on-site inspections are conducted by Shandong Customs officials. Our team coordinates the appointment and accompanies the inspector to ensure all checkpoints are addressed. Qingdao Customs inspectors are experienced with DG packaging and the process is typically efficient, 30-45 minutes for a standard shipment.

6. Common rejection reasons and how to avoid them

#	Rejection reason	Why it happens	How to avoid
1	UN marking illegible or wrong size	Marking worn during storage, ink faded, or character height below 12mm (6mm for small packages)	Use embossed marking where possible. For printed marking, use permanent UV-resistant ink. Measure character height before inspection.
2	Performance Certificate expired	Certificate validity (12 months sea, 3 months air) elapsed between packaging purchase and export date	Check the certificate issue date when buying packaging. If exporting close to expiry, ask the packaging supplier to renew.
3	Packaging type mismatch	Exporter uses packaging different from what the Performance Certificate covers (e.g., certificate is for 1H1 jerrycan but actual packaging is 1H2)	Verify the packaging type code on the Performance Certificate against the packaging you are actually using. Different closure types (removable vs non-removable head) are different packaging types.
4	Applying for Use Appraisal without Performance Certificate	Exporter starts Part B before packaging supplier has completed Part A	The Single Window system validates Performance Certificate status. If the certificate number does not appear in the CIQ database, you cannot submit. Wait for Part A to complete.
5	Labels wrong size or class mismatch	Class labels below 100mm x 100mm, wrong class label affixed, or label format incorrect (missing inner border line, wrong color)	Use only EN/ISO-compliant printed labels. Do not print your own unless you have verified the dimensions and color specifications against IMDG Code Chapter 5.2.

7. Electronic certificate download and printing

Since 2021, all DG Packaging Certificates in China are issued electronically through the Single Window platform. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), China's electronic certificate system is compliant with IMO FAL Convention requirements for electronic documentation. Physical paper certificates are no longer issued by default (you can request a paper copy if your overseas buyer requires an original, but this is rarely needed for sea freight).

How to download

1. Log in to Single Window and go to your application dashboard.
2. Click on the approved application. The status will show "Approved" (已通过).
3. Click "Certificate Download" (证书下载). The PDF certificate downloads automatically.
4. The PDF includes a QR code in the header. Anyone with the Single Window mobile app can scan this code to verify the certificate's authenticity and current status.

Printing requirements

For the Maritime DG Declaration submission (submitted to the MSA through a separate process), you need a printed copy of the certificate. Print in color on A4 paper. The QR code must be clearly scannable. Most MSA offices in China, including Qingdao MSA, accept printed electronic certificates. Some destination country authorities may request a paper original; check with your overseas consignee before shipping.

8. Validity periods and renewal procedures

The Performance Certificate has different validity periods by transport mode. The Use Appraisal Certificate is single-use, valid for one export batch only.

Certificate	Sea/Road/Rail validity	Air validity	Renewal process
Performance Certificate	12 months	3 months	Re-apply through CIQ. If design unchanged, 3-5 working days.
Use Appraisal Certificate	Single shipment	Single shipment	New application required for each export batch.

For exporters who ship regularly, establish a process to check Performance Certificate expiry dates for your commonly used packaging types. Set a calendar reminder 2 months before expiry. The renewal process is faster than the initial application (3-5 working days vs 7-15) because the packaging type is already on file, but the faster timeline only applies if no changes have been made to the packaging design or materials.

9. Timeline from start to finish (day by day)

Here is a realistic day-by-day timeline for a first-time exporter shipping Class 3 flammable liquid in UN-certified 25L jerrycans from Shandong province, assuming the packaging manufacturer already has an active Performance Certificate for that jerrycan type:

Day	Action	Status
Day 0	Confirm packaging supplier has valid Performance Certificate. Obtain certificate copy and number.	Pre-application
Day 1	Gather all documents: MSDS, DG Classification Report, packing list, business license, Performance Certificate copy. Take photos of packed goods.	Document preparation
Day 2	Submit Use Appraisal application via Single Window. Upload all documents.	Submitted
Day 3-4	Customs document review. If no issues, status changes to "Under Inspection."	Under review
Day 5-7	Customs contacts you (or your agent) to schedule on-site inspection date.	Scheduling
Day 8-10	On-site inspection conducted. Inspector visits packing location, checks packaging, markings, labels.	Inspection
Day 11-12	Inspector submits report. Certificate approved in system.	Approval
Day 12	Download electronic certificate from Single Window. Print copies. Certificate ready for Maritime DG Declaration.	Complete

Expedited timeline (with agent): 5-7 working days. Steps are compressed: document review in 1 working day, inspection scheduling within 48 hours, certificate issuance same day as inspection. Available at most CIQ offices including Qingdao, for an additional fee.

10. Frequently asked questions

Sources and references

• 《中华人民共和国进出口商品检验法》第17条: Legal basis for mandatory DG packaging inspection. 全国人民代表大会.
• SN/T 0370-2021: 出口危险货物包装检验规程 (China DG packaging inspection standards). Issued by GACC (海关总署).
• China International Trade Single Window (中国国际贸易单一窗口): Online application portal for DG packaging certificates. singlewindow.cn
• Differentiated Conformity Assessment (差异化合格评定): GACC announcement 2025年第8期, UN3077/UN3082 Class 9 streamlined procedure. 中国海关 2025年08期
• 危包证有效期: 空运3个月, 海运/陆运/铁路12个月: per CIQ inspection standards. ChemRadar Regulatory
• UN38.3 Test Report requirement: UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3. Mandatory for lithium battery DG shipments from Chinese ports.
• Ningbo Port mandatory UN38.3 effective October 2025: ONE Advisory Oct 2025

All procedural descriptions verified against GACC published guidelines and Great Hensen operational experience. Last verified: July 2026.