What should I pay attention to with sensitive goods?

In the work of freight forwarders, we often hear the term “sensitive goods”. But which goods are sensitive goods? What should I pay attention to with sensitive goods?

In the international logistics industry, according to convention, goods are often divided into three categories: contraband, sensitive goods and general goods. Contraband goods are strictly prohibited from being shipped. Sensitive goods must be transported in strict accordance with the regulations for different goods. General goods are goods that can be shipped normally.
01

What is sensitive goods?
The definition of sensitive goods is relatively complex. It is goods between ordinary goods and contraband. In international transportation, there is a strict distinction between sensitive goods and goods that violate prohibitions.

“Sensitive goods” generally refer to goods subject to statutory inspection (forensic inspection) (including those in the legal inspection catalog with export supervision conditions B, and legally inspected goods outside the catalog). Such as: animals and plants and their products, food, beverages and wine, certain mineral products and chemicals (especially dangerous goods), cosmetics, fireworks and lighters, wood and wood products (including wooden furniture), etc.

Generally speaking, sensitive goods are only products that are prohibited from boarding or strictly controlled by the customs. Such products can be exported safely and normally and declared normally. Generally, they need to provide corresponding test reports and use packaging that meets their special characteristics. Looking for strong products Freight forwarding companies carry out transportation.
02

What are the common types of sensitive goods?
01
Batteries

Batteries, including goods with batteries. Since batteries can easily cause spontaneous combustion, explosion, etc., they are dangerous and affect transportation safety. They are restricted goods, but they are not contraband and can be transported through strict special procedures.

For battery goods, the most common requirements are MSDS instructions and UN38.3 (UNDOT) testing and certification; battery goods have strict requirements for packaging and operating procedures.

02
Various foods and drugs

Various edible health products, processed foods, condiments, grains, oil seeds, beans, skins and other types of food, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, biological medicine, chemical medicine and other types of drugs are involved in biological invasion. In order to protect their own resources, countries In international trade, a mandatory quarantine system is implemented for such goods. Without quarantine certificate, they may be classified as sensitive goods.

The fumigation certificate is one of the most common certifications for this kind of goods, and the fumigation certificate is one of the CIQ certificates.

03
CDs, CDs, books and periodicals

Books, periodicals, printed materials, optical discs, CDs, films, and other types of goods that are harmful to the country’s economy, politics, moral culture, or involve state secrets, as well as goods containing computer storage media, are sensitive whether they are imported or exported.

The transportation of this type of goods requires certification from the National Audio and Video Publishing House and a letter of guarantee written by the manufacturer or exporter.

04
Unstable items such as powders and colloids

Such as cosmetics, skin care products, essential oils, toothpaste, lipstick, sunscreen, drinks, perfume, etc.

During transportation, such items are easily volatilized, vaporized, heated by collision and extrusion, and exploded due to packaging or other problems. They are restricted items in cargo transportation.

Such products usually require MSDS (Chemical Safety Data Sheet) and a commodity inspection report from the port of departure before they can be declared customs.

05
Sharp objects

Sharp products and sharp tools, including sharp kitchen utensils, stationery and hardware tools, are all sensitive goods. Toy guns that are more realistic will be classified as weapons and are considered contraband and cannot be mailed.

06
Counterfeit brands

Branded or counterfeit goods, whether they are authentic or counterfeit, often involve the risk of legal disputes such as infringement, so they need to go through sensitive goods channels.
Counterfeit products are infringing products and require customs clearance.

07
Magnetic items

Such as power banks, mobile phones, watches, game consoles, electric toys, shavers, etc. Electronic products that usually produce sound also contain magnets.

The scope and types of magnetic items are relatively wide, and it is easy for customers to mistakenly think that they are not sensitive items.

Summarize:

Since the destination ports have different requirements for sensitive goods, the requirements for customs clearance and logistics service providers are relatively high. The operations team needs to prepare in advance the relevant policies and certification information of the actual destination country.

For cargo owners, they must find a strong logistics service provider for the transportation of sensitive goods. In addition, the transportation price of sensitive goods will be correspondingly higher.