Offices

INDUSTRIES / INDUSTRIAL

Chemicals

Coordinate compliant chemical logistics with attention to classification, IMDG requirements, ISO tanks, segregation and route controls.

assessed logistics capability
SQAS
assessed logistics capability
offices in 54 countries
96
offices in 54 countries
ports called
420+
ports called
countries served
180+
countries served

Overview

Compliance-led chemical supply chains

Chemical logistics begins with accurate identification of the product and its transport classification. FSC coordinates shipments in accordance with applicable modal rules and local requirements, using shipper-provided safety data and cargo details to assess packaging, equipment, documentation and handling before booking.

For ocean movements, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code governs the transport of dangerous goods by sea. Depending on classification and packaging, requirements may include a dangerous goods declaration, correct marks and labels, segregation, stowage and emergency information. The shipper remains responsible for accurate classification and declarations; carrier acceptance and route restrictions also apply.

Bulk liquid chemicals may move in suitable ISO tanks when product compatibility, tank specification, cleaning status, filling limits and route acceptance are confirmed. FSC can coordinate tank positioning, movement and documentation with qualified operators. SQAS certification supports the company's logistics assessment framework, but does not replace product-specific legal compliance or customer qualification.

  • Product classification and document coordination
  • IMDG ocean dangerous-goods requirements
  • ISO tank suitability and movement planning
  • Segregation and compatibility considerations
  • Route, carrier and destination restrictions
  • Safety, emergency and incident escalation planning

SQAS

logistics assessment certification

SAFE, COMPLIANT MOVEMENT

Controls grounded in product and route

Confirm chemical identity, applicable transport rules and equipment compatibility before cargo is tendered.

01

Classification coordination

Review shipper-provided product and safety data to coordinate the correct transport classification, proper shipping description and applicable mode requirements.

02

IMDG documentation

Coordinate ocean dangerous-goods declarations, marks, labels, emergency details and supporting documents in line with applicable acceptance and stowage rules.

03

ISO tank planning

Assess tank type, product compatibility, technical specification, cleaning status, loading limits and route acceptance with qualified equipment providers.

04

Segregation and compatibility

Identify segregation, co-loading and handling constraints using the product classification and applicable rules, with requirements communicated across handovers.

05

Route and market checks

Check carrier, port, transit and destination restrictions, including any permits or import conditions that could affect the intended route.

06

Operational safety controls

Define handling instructions, emergency contacts, incident escalation and responsibilities with the shipper, operator and receiving facility.

ILLUSTRATIVE EQUIPMENT PROFILE

Chemical transport planning mix

  • Packaged dangerous goods34%
  • ISO tank liquids28%
  • Non-regulated packaged chemicals22%
  • Temperature-controlled9%
  • Other specialist7%
Illustrative mix of planning scenarios only; equipment is selected by product, classification, route and acceptance.
5
planning scenarios illustrated
34%
packaged DG scenario
28%
ISO tank scenario

How it works

A documented chemical shipment workflow

No booking proceeds on assumptions: product, packaging, equipment and route requirements are checked at each stage.

  1. 01

    Identify and classify the product

    Obtain current safety data, proper shipping name, UN number where applicable, class, packing group and other relevant transport details.

  2. 02

    Confirm packaging or tank

    Validate packaging approvals, marks, labels or ISO tank specification, compatibility, inspection and filling requirements for the product.

  3. 03

    Check route and acceptance

    Review carrier, port, mode, segregation, stowage, transit and destination restrictions before booking confirmation.

  4. 04

    Prepare documents and handovers

    Coordinate declarations, emergency information, shipping instructions and handling contacts with all relevant parties before cargo tender.

  5. 05

    Monitor and close out

    Track shipment milestones, maintain escalation contacts and reconcile delivery and equipment records under the agreed procedure.

Reference

Chemical shipment pre-booking checks

Shipment typeKey confirmationDocumentation / controlOperational check
IMDG packaged DGUN number, class, packing groupDG declaration, marks and labelsCarrier acceptance and stowage
ISO tank liquidProduct-tank compatibilityTank specification and cleaning statusFilling limits and route suitability
Non-regulated chemicalClassification basis and product dataCommercial and safety documentsDestination import requirements
Temperature-sensitive chemicalValidated temperature rangeHandling and monitoring instructionsEquipment and power continuity
Cross-border restricted productCountry and transit permissionsPermits and regulatory filingsRoute and transhipment restrictions

In operation

Careful coordination from origin to destination

FSC coordinates chemical transport requirements with shippers, carriers, equipment providers and destination operations. Product classification, acceptance and legal obligations must be confirmed for each shipment and route before tender.

Careful coordination from origin to destination

Case study

A regional specialty-chemicals producer

The challenge

The producer needed to ship packaged regulated products and bulk liquid chemicals to multiple markets with different carrier acceptance and tank requirements.

Our solution

FSC coordinated product data review, IMDG documentation readiness, ISO tank compatibility checks and route-specific acceptance confirmation with the relevant operating partners.

2
distinct shipment formats coordinated
5
destination routes reviewed
1
pre-booking compliance checklist established

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists are available around the clock.

Contact our team

The IMDG Code sets requirements for the maritime transport of dangerous goods, including classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation, stowage and segregation as applicable. Requirements depend on the specific substance and shipment configuration. The shipper must provide accurate classification and declarations, and the carrier must accept the cargo for the intended route and vessel.

Review a chemical shipment

Provide the product classification, equipment needs and proposed route for an FSC logistics assessment.