A non-DG certificate, sometimes called a non-hazardous declaration or an MSDS for transport, is a signed statement from the shipper or manufacturer that a product is not classified as dangerous goods under the transport rules. Shipping lines and airlines ask for it before they accept a chemical as general cargo.
It is not a separate legal form defined in the IMDG Code. It is a carrier requirement, designed to stop dangerous goods being shipped without declaration.
Why carriers ask for it
Many chemicals have names that do not reveal whether they are hazardous. A carrier cannot test every container, so it puts the responsibility on the shipper in writing. If the product turns out to be DG, the signed statement shows who made the claim.
Because of fires linked to undeclared dangerous goods, carriers screen bookings for chemical names. A booking that mentions a chemical often triggers a request for the SDS and a non-DG statement before space is confirmed.
What it should contain
- The exact product name and grade, matching the invoice, packing list and SDS.
- The CAS number or composition, where relevant.
- A statement that the product is not classified as dangerous goods under the IMDG Code, and under the IATA rules if it will fly.
- A reference to section 14 of the SDS, which should say not regulated for transport.
- The signature, name and position of a responsible person at the shipper, with company details and date.
The SDS must support it
A non-DG certificate is only as good as the classification behind it. Section 14 of the SDS should state that the product is not regulated, and sections 2, 9 and 12 should not contradict that. A corrosive pH, a low flash point or high aquatic toxicity in the SDS is a warning sign. Our guide to the 16 sections of an SDS shows where to look.
Some carriers or destinations ask for supporting test data, such as a flash point test or an aquatic toxicity assessment. Others accept the SDS and statement alone. Ask your forwarder what the line on your route requires.
Who is responsible
The shipper, usually the Indian manufacturer or exporter, signs and carries the responsibility. Do not let a supplier sign a non-DG statement just to avoid DG costs. If your product is actually DG, read what dangerous goods cargo is and ship it correctly.
As the buyer, check the classification yourself, or through an adviser, before you accept the statement. The consequences of a wrong one fall on everyone in the chain.
Keep a copy of every signed statement with the shipment file. If a carrier or authority later questions the booking, you can show what the shipper declared and on what basis.
Next step
We check SDSs and non-DG statements against the product before booking, so problems surface at the factory. To start, book a free sourcing review.