UN Classification: The First Decision

Before booking a container, you must know your fireworks' UN classification. This determines which carriers will accept your cargo and what documentation you need.

1.4G — Consumer fireworks. Most common. Accepted by most major carriers. Requires DG Packing Certificate.
1.3G — Professional fireworks. Fewer carriers accept. Higher freight costs. Requires DG Packing Certificate + professional license documentation.
1.4S — Very low hazard. Rare for fireworks. Fewer restrictions.
1.1G — Large aerial shells. Strictest controls. Very few carriers accept. Requires special approval.

Critical: Never misclassify fireworks to save on freight. This is illegal, dangerous, and carries severe penalties including criminal charges.

DG Carrier Selection

Not all shipping lines accept fireworks. Here are the major DG carriers and their policies:

MSC: Accepts 1.4G and 1.3G on most routes. Strong DG experience.
COSCO: Accepts 1.4G and 1.3G. Strong on China-origin routes. Fireworks shipping tradition.
CMA CGM: Accepts 1.4G and 1.3G on selected routes. Strong on Europe and Mediterranean.
Maersk: Accepts 1.4G. 1.3G requires strict approval. Policy tightening.
ONE: Accepts 1.4G. 1.3G on some routes. Generally stricter.

Pro tip: Book DG containers 2-4 weeks before your intended sailing date. Peak season (May-July for US, September-November for Europe) requires even more lead time.

Documentation Checklist

Every fireworks shipment requires:

✅ DG Packing Certificate — issued by CIQ, proves packaging meets UN standards
✅ Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) — shipper's declaration of hazardous goods
✅ MSDS — Material Safety Data Sheet for each product type
✅ Commercial Invoice + Packing List — standard trade documents
✅ Certificate of Origin — may qualify for tariff preferences
✅ Marine Insurance — recommend all-risks + war risks, insured at 110% of invoice value
✅ Bill of Lading — issued by carrier after loading

Missing any of these = container cannot sail. Your supplier should provide all of them.

Cost Breakdown

DG shipping costs more than standard freight. Budget for:

• Base ocean freight: 20-50% premium over standard cargo
• DG surcharge: USD 100-300 per container
• Port safety fee: varies by port
• DG documentation fee: USD 50-150
• CIQ inspection fee: varies

Total additional DG costs typically run USD 500-1,000 per 20ft container above standard freight rates.

Common DG Shipping Mistakes

❌ Booking too late — peak season DG slots fill weeks in advance
❌ Wrong UN classification — causes rejection at port or carrier
❌ Incomplete documentation — DGD or MSDS missing or incorrect
❌ Non-compliant packaging — fails CIQ inspection
❌ Mixed DG classes in one container — some combinations are prohibited
❌ Assuming all carriers accept fireworks — always verify with your freight forwarder