Dangerous Goods Policy Comparison: Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen | 2024 Guide
With the continuous development of China’s dangerous goods shipping market, major ports have established corresponding dangerous goods management policies. This article provides a detailed comparison of dangerous goods transport regulations at Shanghai Port, Ningbo Port, Qingdao Port, and Shenzhen Port, helping companies and freight forwarders better understand each port’s regulatory requirements to ensure compliant transportation.
Key Content Overview
- Overview of dangerous goods policies at four major ports
- Shanghai Port dangerous goods container storage management regulations
- Analysis of Ningbo Port lithium battery transport new rules
- Updates on Qingdao Port dangerous goods operation permits
- Shenzhen Port dangerous chemicals transport restrictions
- Analysis of dangerous goods supervision trends at each port
Overall Comparison of Dangerous Goods Policies
| Port | Policy Focus | Special Regulations | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | Dangerous Goods Container Storage Management | Strict restrictions on storage time and stacking height | March 1, 2025 |
| Ningbo Port | Lithium Battery Transport Documentation Requirements | Mandatory submission of UN38.3 test reports | October 2025 |
| Qingdao Port | Dangerous Goods Operation Permit Management | New approvals for additional dangerous goods items | January 20, 2025 |
| Shenzhen Port | Cross-border Transport Restrictions on Dangerous Chemicals | Prohibition of specific dangerous chemicals through land ports | July 30, 2025 |
Shanghai Port Dangerous Goods Policy Details
Storage Management Regulations
According to the latest notice from Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, the “Shanghai Port Dangerous Goods Container Storage Operations Management Regulations” has been extended until February 28, 2030. Main regulations include:
- Storage Time Limits: Dangerous goods containers of Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Division 6.1 Packing Group I and II, Class 8 with subsidiary risk, lithium battery groups in Class 9, and refrigerated temperature-controlled dangerous goods containers must not be stored in port yards for more than 72 hours; other categories of dangerous goods containers must not be stored for more than 7 days.
- Direct Loading/Unloading Requirements: Dangerous goods containers listed as Division 1.1, 1.2, Class 7, and ammonium nitrate substances in the “Dangerous Goods List” (GB12268) should be directly loaded and unloaded and must not be stored in port yards.
- Stacking Height Limits: Flammable and explosive dangerous goods containers may be stacked up to two tiers high maximum; other dangerous goods containers may be stacked up to three tiers high.
Ningbo Port Dangerous Goods Policy Details
New Lithium Battery Transport Rules
Ningbo Port has implemented strict lithium battery transport regulations since October 2025:
- UN38.3 Test Reports: All lithium batteries classified as Class 9 dangerous goods with UN numbers UN3090, UN3091, UN3480, UN3481, UN3536 must submit UN38.3 test reports for specific battery models in addition to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when booking shipments involving Ningbo Port for export, import, transshipment, or transit.
- Application Scope: The new rules apply to all lithium battery transport through Ningbo Port, including loading (export), unloading (import), transfer, and transit.
- Non-compliance Consequences: Missing documents or document discrepancies will lead to penalties/fines and may result in cargo rejection or denial of vessel berthing.
Qingdao Port Dangerous Goods Policy Details
Dangerous Goods Operation Permits
Qingdao Port implements strict permit management for dangerous goods operations:
- New Operational Item Approvals: Qingdao West Coast New Area Transport Bureau approved Qingdao Lixing Logistics Co., Ltd. to add new dangerous goods items including condensate oil and alkyl (C3-C4) benzene.
- Facilitation Measures: Qingdao Port is optimizing the inspection supervision model for export lithium batteries and deepening the pilot “inspection verification + qualified assurance” model for the use identification of export lithium battery dangerous goods packaging.
- Smart Port Construction: Promoting key smart port projects such as “remote inspection of imported cotton” and upgrading intelligent service platforms like “Cloud Port Access”.
Shenzhen Port Dangerous Goods Policy Details
Cross-border Transport Restrictions
Shenzhen Port has implemented strict controls on cross-border transport of dangerous chemicals:
- Prohibited Substances: Dangerous chemicals listed in the “citywide prohibited” category of the “Shenzhen Dangerous Chemicals Control Catalog (2022 Edition)” are prohibited from passing through Shenzhen land ports.
- Diversion Transport: Starting from July 30, 2025, cross-border trucks carrying specific goods originally restricted to Huanggang Port can clear customs through either Huanggang Port or Shenzhen Bay Port.
- Traffic Management: Cross-border trucks must apply for temporary traffic permits for prohibited roads according to Shenzhen Traffic Police regulations.
Policy Trend Analysis
Tightening Supervision
Overall supervision of dangerous goods at various ports is becoming stricter, particularly in lithium battery transport, storage management, and cross-border transport.
Detailed Documentation Requirements
The UN38.3 test report requirement at Ningbo Port represents further refinement and strictness in dangerous goods transport documentation requirements.
Regional Characteristics
Each port has developed dangerous goods management regulations with regional characteristics based on their geographical features and business focus.
Enterprise Recommendations
Understand Policies in Advance
Before selecting a shipping port, ensure thorough understanding of the port’s latest dangerous goods policies, particularly regarding storage time, documentation requirements, and prohibited substances.
Complete Document Preparation
For ports with strict documentation requirements like Ningbo Port, ensure all necessary documents are prepared, including SDS, UN38.3 test reports, etc.
Reasonable Logistics Planning
Consider storage time limits at various ports and arrange reasonable pickup and transshipment plans to avoid additional costs and delays.
Conclusion
Dangerous goods management policies at China’s major ports each have their own characteristics, but the overall trend is toward stricter supervision and more detailed requirements. Enterprises need to closely monitor the latest policy changes at each port, particularly Shanghai Port’s storage management regulations, Ningbo Port’s lithium battery transport requirements, Qingdao Port’s operation permit system, and Shenzhen Port’s cross-border transport restrictions, to ensure compliance and efficiency in dangerous goods shipping.
As domestic and international dangerous goods transport regulations continue to update, companies are advised to cooperate with professional freight forwarders, obtain the latest policy information in a timely manner, reduce compliance risks, and improve logistics efficiency.
Disclaimer: This content is for reference only. Actual policies may change over time. Specific operations should follow the latest official regulations of each port.
