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IMO Declaration for shipping Dangerous Goods from the USA abroad

In international shipping from the USA, Dangerous Goods (D.G.) are akin to Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) in other transportation modes.

In sea freight shipping from the United States, dangerous goods need to be kept separate from regular items and come with a Dangerous Goods Declaration. 

This declaration is a must-have document that shippers provide to the ocean freight carrier before those hazardous items can be shipped internationally. It basically confirms that everything is packed and labeled correctly and meets the international standards for transporting cargo by sea. 

If you want to see what a Dangerous Goods Declaration looks like, you can easily find examples online related to shipping from the USA.

When shipping items internationally, shippers must check if their cargo includes hazardous materials. If it does, they must fill out and provide Dangerous Goods Declarations before sending hazardous stuff from the USA overseas.

For those just starting with international shipping, it’s really important to take safety regulations seriously. If your shipment contains anything hazardous, even if it’s a tiny part of the whole load, you still have to declare those goods. Not doing so could create dangerous situations for the entire trip and might lead to fines or even legal trouble.

For example, if you’re sending an electric bike from the U.S., you’ll either need to remove the battery or fill out the Dangerous Goods Declaration.

When shipping items overseas, it's important to check for regulated cargo like aerosol sprays, car batteries, fireworks, and certain chemicals. If you’re sending new items from the USA, look for hazardous material signs on the packaging.

If you're unsure about your shipment, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation at 1-800-467-4922 or check with the manufacturer for hazardous materials details.

Most carriers won’t accept dangerous goods outside of IMO Classes 3, 8, or 9, so if you need to ship items in other classes, find specific carriers that can handle them.

Segregation of dangerous goods shipping from the USA / A hold harmless letter.

Many hazardous items don’t mix well with other substances during transportation. They can react with hazardous materials or even harmless things like dust and water, potentially causing toxic gases, fires, or explosions. 

Legal requirements require storing and handling these goods separately to prevent issues. Using waterproof barriers or maintaining a safe distance can help. 

If a carrier needs to separate dangerous goods during shipping from the USA, the shipper must provide a hold harmless letter on the consigner's letterhead, clearly stating that:

The ocean freight carrier and related parties aren’t responsible for any damage or lost cargo during segregation. Clear instructions on what to separate should be provided, and the international shipper will cover any segregation fees.