How to classify ink exports?Which types are considered dangerous goods?

According to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS),ink exports must be classified by composition:

• Solvent-basedInks:Flashpoint≤60℃mustbetransportedasClass3dangerousgoods(UN1263)
• Water-basedink:Generallytreatedasgeneralcargo,butmustbedeclaredasdangerousgoodsifpH≤2or≥12.5
• UV-curableink:MayinvolveClass9dangerousgoods(UN3082)ifcontainingphotoinitiators

In 2025,the European Union updated the EN ISO 21301 standard,requiring all ink exporters to provideComponent proportions accurate to 0.1%SDS documents.

What international certifications are required for ink exports?

Certification requirements vary significantly across different markets:

• EUmarket:
  • REACHRegulation(SVHClistupdatedto258items)
  • PackagingDirective94/62/EC(heavymetalcontenttesting)
• North American market:
  • FDA21CFR175.300(foodcontactmaterials)
  • CaliforniaProposition65(heavymetalandphthalatetesting)
• Southeast Asian market:
  • IndonesiaSNI06-1029-1989standard
  • VietnamCircular04/2012/TT-BKHCN

What are the special requirements for ink transportation?

Dangerous goods transportation must comply with IMDG Code (2025 edition) new regulations:

• Packagingspecifications:UN-certifiedpackaging+tripleleak-proofdesign
• Documentpreparation:
  • MSDSmustincludeGHS9threvisededitionelements
  • DangerousGoodsDeclaration(DGD)mustindicateUNnumber
• Storage conditions: Temperature must be controlled at 15-25℃ (some light-sensitive inks require light protection)

How to correctly declare ink HS codes?

Key points of customs commodity classification in 2025:

• Printingink:3215.1900(otherprintinginks)
• Writingink:3215.9010(ChinaVATrate13%)
• Specialfunctioninks:MustprovideComponenttestreportandUsagedescription

Note: US Customs requires ink HS codes to match TSCA certification documents,while Japan requires markingJIS K5701standard number.

Key indicators for selecting ink?

Professional agency services should possess:

• Dangerousgoodsoperationqualifications:IncludingDGSPcertificationandIATAqualifications
• Chemicalcustomsclearancerecords:Atleast50exportcasesofsimilarproductsinthepast3years
• Emergencyresponsecapability:Hazardouschemicalaccidenthandlingchannelsatoverseasports
• Complianceguaranteesystem:Dual-personverificationsystem+SDSautomaticupdatesystem

It is recommended to require the agency company to provideSimulated customs clearance test report,especially for sensitive markets such as India and the Middle East.

What are the new regulations for ink exports in 2025?

• ChinaCustomshasaddedVolatileOrganicCompounds(VOC)contentdeclarationrequirements
• EUimplementsCarbonBorderAdjustmentMechanism(CBAM),inkproductioncarbonemissionsneedtobetraced
• USCustomslaunchesMandatoryelectroniclabelingsystem(RFIDtraceabilitysystem)
• RCEPmemberstatesimplementUnifiedChemicalSafetyCardsystem