In the face of increased scrutiny of cargo declarations, processes around dangerous and hazardous cargo are becoming more stringent. According to Michael Whysall, trade manager at neutral consolidator CFR Freight, documentation is probably the most critical aspect that must be considered in the chain of hazardous and dangerous cargo shipments. “Moving dangerous goods has always been complex and high-risk, and those responsible for compliance in the shipping industry have an increasingly critical job,” he said. “Shipping lines internationally, and their underwriters, have ramped up compliance with regard to acceptance and carriage of hazardous cargos. This comes on the back of an increase in severe explosions and fires on vessels in the last few years.” Consequences of noncompliance have come in the form of massive penalties issued as a deterrent. Heavy fines were being issued to exporters mis-declaring dangerous goods cargo in containers. “In light of this, CFR’s ocean departments have received extensive training in this regard. Part of this is to request the most up-to-date material safety data sheets from clients to ensure clear and concise instructions into the shipping line declaration,” said Whysall. “This contains all information regarding International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), sea freight, UN Code, hazardous class and packing groups, as well as all relevant information on how to handle the commodity should it become exposed or split in any way.” Considering the complexities involved, Whysall said it was imperative to take the time to assist clients, and through them, their shippers. “The goal is to share and educate our partners in understanding the importance of clear packing declarations, while requesting acceptance to load,” he said. “We are unable to ship unless we have received approval from both the shipping line and our WorldWide Alliance (WWA) network hubs, including the final destination. Most countries have a lengthy restricted commodity list that we look to share with our client base”. The goal, said Whysall, was to ensure declarations to shipping lines were done correctly to enable acceptance first time round. “Certain UN code commodities do allow for lastminute loading on vessels, but depending on the commodity we always meet with clients to streamline the process to ensure no cargo is short shipped.” With direct access to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) international codes that are regularly updated, the company has the ability to pick up early warning signs of any restricted or non- compliant commodities. “Through our sister company, ZacPak, all dangerous and hazardous cargo is physically inspected and any noncompliance reported. This allows us to timeously find a solution prior to exporting.” According to Stephen Bishop, CFR air freight director, all export cargo is screened on-site in Johannesburg and Cape Town to ensure it is safe to fly. “We make use of certified 3rd party contractors in these branches and the ground handling agents in Durban and Port Elizabeth to fulfil the dangerous goods requirements of our clients.”
INSERT: The goal is to ensure declarations to shipping lines are done correctly to enable acceptance first time round. – Michael Whysall
