International Shipping Compliance: Important Export Packaging Regulations
Exporting goods across borders is essential for businesses in today’s economy, but ensuring products reach their destination intact requires compliance with various international regulations. In this article, we explore key export packaging regulations, including IPPC for wood materials, IATA for air transport, IMO for ocean shipping, and SOLAS/VGM for container weight verification.
In our current economy, exporting goods across borders has become increasingly necessary for businesses of all sizes. In April of 2024, Canada’s total manufacturing sales increased 1.1% to $70.8 billion while exports of goods increased by 2.0%, with a rise in exports both to the USA and to other countries. These exports were led by energy products, rising by 378 million, and saw an 8.6% gain in the aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts. However, ensuring that your products reach their destination intact and damage-free requires attention to detail in export packaging. This means complying with a series of regulations about how your cargo must be packed. If these regulations aren’t followed, your cargo might get rejected at different points along the way. That can cause delays, cost you money, and hurt your reputation.
Ensuring export packaging compliance is fundamental to avoid delays, rejections and surprising fees. In this article we explore some key regulations you should consider in your logistics and export packaging strategy.
Key Packaging Regulations
- IPPC – International Plant Protection Convention
- IATA – International Air Transport Association
- IMO – International Maritime Organization
- SOLAS/VGM – Safety Of Life At Sea/Verified Gross Mass
- Local Regulations
IPPC – International Plant Protection Convention
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is the intergovernmental treaty that aims to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through international trade. It has been implemented by 185 countries, with one of its main regulation components the International Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 standard, which pertains to wood export packaging materials such as pallets, crates, and dunnage.
Ensuring export packaging compliance is fundamental to avoid delays, rejections and surprising fees. In this article we explore some key regulations you should consider in your logistics and export packaging strategy.
Key Points:
- Wood packaging must be debarked and treated (heat treatment or fumigation) for international shipments.
- Treated wood must be marked with the IPPC logo and specific treatment codes by certified facilities only.
- Non-compliance can result in rejected and destroyed shipments, returned, and/or quarantined and fumigated at the exporter’s cost, as well as fines.
By using treated wood packaging materials, businesses minimize the risk of introducing invasive pests (e.g. the Emerald Ash Borer, the Asian Longhorn Beetle), protecting ecosystems and agricultural industries. Since the ISPM-15 requirement was introduced in 2005-2006, the risk of plant pests entering via wood export packaging has significantly declined. A study by the Nature Conservancy, found that infestation rates of live pests in shipments using wooden packing materials dropped by up to 52% from 2003 to 2009 after ISPM-15 was implemented.
Enforcing this certification is a commitment to sustainable practices and highlights the business’s proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of their operations. Since the beginning of our story, Topax has always been committed to be responsible and respectful with the environment. We are proud to have been an early adopter and were the third company in Canada to become IPPC certified. This achievement is a symbol of our commitment to sustainable growth, dedication to excellence and complying with international shipping regulations.
By using treated wood packaging materials, businesses minimize the risk of introducing invasive pests (e.g. the Emerald Ash Borer, the Asian Longhorn Beetle), protecting ecosystems and agricultural industries. Since the ISPM-15 requirement was introduced in 2005-2006, the risk of plant pests entering via wood export packaging has significantly declined. A study by the Nature Conservancy, found that infestation rates of live pests in shipments using wooden packing materials dropped by up to 52% from 2003 to 2009 after ISPM-15 was implemented.
Enforcing this certification is a commitment to sustainable practices and highlights the business’s proactive approach to reducing the environmental impact of their operations. Since the beginning of our story, Topax has always been committed to be responsible and respectful with the environment. We are proud to have been an early adopter and were the third company in Canada to become IPPC certified. This achievement is a symbol of our commitment to sustainable growth, dedication to excellence and complying with international shipping regulations.
IATA - International Air Transport Association
For goods transported by air, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets forth comprehensive regulations for cargo such as dangerous goods, perishable and temperature controlled. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and security of air cargo.
Key Points:
- Compliance with the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for materials classified as dangerous.
- Precise and informative labeling indicating the type of product, required care and conditions of transport.
- Product must be packed to withstand extreme conditions such as changes in temperature, pressure, and humidity.
Labeling and documentation are important components of IATA regulations for all goods being transported by air. Most importantly, dangerous goods must be marked with appropriate labels indicating the type of hazard (e.g., flammable, toxic, corrosive). Product documentation should include the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, which provides detailed information about the nature of the goods, handling instructions, and emergency contact details.
IATA regulations also mandate specific export packaging standards to ensure that goods do not pose a risk during transport. For instance, materials must be packed in containers that can withstand extreme conditions such as changes in temperature, pressure, and humidity. The export packaging must also prevent any leaks or spills, ensuring that the contents are securely contained throughout the journey.
If you’re shipping perishable cargo via air, a special set of requirements listed in the Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR) apply to ensure your cargo won’t deteriorate over time and under extreme temperatures and humidity. While healthcare and life science products such as vaccines or medication, must comply with the Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), which can require a packaging designed to maintain the required temperature range, temperature conditions on labeling and temperature monitoring devices. It’s extremely important that you look at IATA regulations if you plan to ship any cargo via air.
IMO – International Maritime Organization
Just like IATA regulates cargo travelling by air, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible to ensure the safety and security of shipping, as well as preventing marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. The IMO’s efforts contribute to the achievement of the UN’s sustainable development goals. They oversee the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which governs the transport of dangerous goods by sea, as well as the Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS) Code.
Key Points:
- Classification, packaging, marking, and labeling of dangerous goods.
- Documentation requirements, including a detailed description of the goods.
- Strict guidelines on stowage and segregation to prevent accidents during transport.
The IMDG Code provides a detailed classification system for dangerous goods, dividing them into classes based on their hazards (e.g., explosives, gases, flammable liquids). Each class has specific packaging requirements to ensure the goods are safely contained. Packaging must display appropriate labels indicating the nature of the hazard and be robust enough to withstand the rigors of maritime transport, including rough handling and environmental stresses. The Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) must accompany shipments, providing detailed information about the goods, including their classification, quantity, and handling instructions.
The Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS) Code, provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper stowage and securing of cargo on ships. It outlines best practices, technical requirements, and specific procedures for securing different types of cargo, considering factors like ship motion, weather conditions, and cargo characteristics.
Adhering to IATA and IMO regulations not only ensures safety to your products and everyone involved in the air and maritime shipping processes but also facilitates faster and smoother customs clearance. At Topax, we build your export packaging to meet international shipping standards and ensure that all required documents are issued and released with your product, including dangerous goods clearance. We can also help you identify dangerous goods and work with certified facilities to ensure all export packaging requirements are met and documentation is issued.
SOLAS/VGM – Safety Of Life At Sea / Verified Gross Mass
The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, and specifically the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement, mandates that the gross mass of packed containers be verified before loading onto ships. It’s primary goal is to enhance the safety of the vessel, its crew, and the cargo by providing accurate information required for vessel loading and stowage. These certificates are important for safety, the integrity of the supply chain, shippers, and the efficient transportation of goods globally.
Key Points:
- Accurate weighing of containers, including contents and packaging.
- Submission of VGM to the shipping line and terminal operator before loading.
Weighing packed containers prior to vessel loading became necessary after several marine casualties and incidents due to misdeclaration of mass being found as a major contributing factor. The VGM includes the weight of the cargo, packaging materials, and the container itself. It can be measured by two methodologies: weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment or weighing the cargo and packaging materials separately and adding the tare weight of the container.
Shippers are required to submit the VGM to the shipping line and terminal operator before the container is loaded onto the vessel. This submission must be in advance to ensure that stowage plans can be accurately prepared, preventing delays and potential safety issues. Non-compliance can result in containers being rejected or penalties imposed by regulatory authorities.
Ensuring accurate weight verification helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with international shipping standards. At Topax, we understand the importance of SOLAS/VGM and we have a dedicated team to issue these certifications for your shipments. We are here to support you throughout your journey, ensuring effective adherence to international standards and regulations.
Local Regulations
In addition to international regulations, it’s crucial to be aware of local regulations in both the country of origin and the destination country. These can vary significantly and may include:
Key Points To Watch For:
- Country-specific packaging requirements.
- Restrictions on certain materials (e.g., plastics, treated woods).
- Import/export documentation and certification requirements.
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific requirements and standards of the destination, and the possible stops, to ensure compliance for international shipping. Some examples of countries with specific requirements are Australia and New Zealand, as well as Europe with new regulations on packaging waste. Keep in mind all stops and modes of transportation throughout the whole journey. This can impact customs declarations and export packaging regulations depending on the countries your product passes through.
Navigating international shipping regulations is a complex but essential part of global trade. Compliance with IPPC, IATA, IMO/IMDG, SOLAS/VGM, and local regulations ensures the safe, efficient, and lawful transport of goods. By keeping these regulations in mind, you set yourself on the path of export packaging compliance. At Topax Protektive Packaging, we specialize in understanding and implementing these regulations, so you can focus on your core business while we handle the export packaging and logistics. We’re here to help. You can trust us to keep your shipments protected, compliant and on the move.
For more information or assistance with your export packaging and shipping needs, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of international shipping.
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