1. What is Air & Sea Transport Identification Report?

    The full name is Cargo Transport Condition Identification Report, a technical document issued by accredited third-party testing laboratories. Based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, ICAO, IATA, IMO and other regulations, it provides authoritative judgment on whether the goods are dangerous goods, hazard classification, and safe transport conditions.

    Simply put: When shipping goods by air or sea, carriers need to know if the goods may explode, ignite, leak, corrode or create other hazards. This identification report serves as the official document to verify the goods’ "safety profile".

2. Why is this report mandatory?

1. Mandatory legal requirement

   In accordance with the Regulations on the Safety Administration of Hazardous Chemicals and the Provisions on the Administration of Dangerous Goods Transport by Civil Aviation, shippers must truthfully declare cargo properties. For goods with uncertain hazard status (chemicals, batteries, powders, liquids, etc.), carriers may request the identification report; otherwise shipment will be rejected.

2. Guarantee transport safety

   Incorrect declaration may trigger severe accidents. Historical cases include aircraft cargo fires and crashes caused by undeclared lithium batteries without proper identification. The report guides proper packaging, marking, labelling and handling to prevent disasters.

3. Avoid legal & financial risks

   Missing or inconsistent reports may result in customs detention, destruction or return of goods. The shipper will bear freight losses, fines and even criminal liability.

3. Which goods require this report?

    Not all goods need it. General daily commodities are exempt. The following categories are required or strongly recommended:

• Battery-integrated products: Lithium batteries, power banks, power tools, mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes, energy storage power supplies, etc.

• Cosmetics & personal care: Perfume, nail polish, hairspray, sunscreen spray, lotions.

• Chemicals: Paint, glue, resin, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, flavors & fragrances.

• Powders / solids: Pigments, toner, pharmaceutical raw materials, metal powder, activated carbon.

• Gases: Lighter fuel, small gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, compressed air cans.

• Magnetic substances: Magnets, speakers, electric motors.

• Others: Dry ice, infectious substances, asbestos, fish meal, etc.

4. Core contents of the identification report

    A complete Air & Sea Transport Identification Report includes:

1. Client & cargo information: Shipper name, product name, model, batch, physical state.

2. Sample description: Color, odor, pH, melting point, boiling point and other physical & chemical indicators.

3. Standards referenced: IATA DGR, IMDG Code, JT/T 617 (China road transport rules).

4. Test methods & results: Flash point, burning rate, oxidizing property, corrosion, magnetic testing, etc. For example, liquids with flash point >60°C are generally classified as non-dangerous goods.

5. Identification conclusion: Clearly state whether goods are non-restricted (general goods) or dangerous goods. If dangerous goods, specify UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group and limited quantity requirements.

6. Transport precautions: Specific requirements for packaging, labels, documentation and special provisions.

7. Report number, issuing body, validity period, signature and official seal.

5. Application Process & Lead Time

    Process:

1. Inquiry & application: Contact accredited labs and submit product information (name, application, composition, MSDS, etc.).

2. Sample delivery: Send required samples (typically 200–500g or one full product unit).

3. Testing & assessment: Lab conducts relevant tests per transport regulations, normally 3–7 working days.

4. Report issuance: Electronic copy first; hard copy sent by mail. Expedited service available within 24 hours at earliest.

5. Required documents: Chemical composition list, CAS numbers, product specifications, MSDS. If no MSDS available, composition analysis is recommended first.

6. Summary

    Air & Sea Transport Identification Report is not an optional formality. It is fundamental protection for public safety and the shipper’s interests. It defines the cargo’s "transport identity" and enables correct handling across air and sea logistics chains.

Email：Kobe@xinwei-test.com