Shipping Chemical Products from Montreal to Cartagena via Ocean Freight

Moving moisture-sensitive Chemical products demands high-integrity packaging, foil or poly liners, and moisture absorbers inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to Specify “Keep Dry” on labels and booking notes and steer clear of open or vented storage and transit equipment where humidity can build up.

For most regulated chemical goods, UN-certified packaging is mandatory when shipping by road, sea, or air. The applicable UN packaging code and performance level are based on the product’s hazard class and packing group shown on the SDS. Verify with your dangerous goods specialist or carrier whether your industrial chemicals are fully regulated, limited quantity, or exempt before selecting packaging.

Most specialty chemicals shipments Require a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and correct labels and markings that align with the classification. Best practice is including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any special approvals required by local authorities for specific Chemical products.

You may be able to consolidate different Specialty chemicals, but only if they are compatible. Carefully verify the SDS and relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA tables to ensure acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, and other chemical products do not conflict. Use segregation panels and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because specialty chemicals can cause Costly cleanup if leaks occur, specialized cargo coverage is often required by buyers. Always review your policy to confirm that dangerous goods and specialty chemicals are not excluded, and that coverage extends to contamination, disposal, and emergency response costs where applicable.

Chemicals must be packaged according to international safety standards, including proper labeling and containment to prevent leaks. Additionally, specific handling protocols should be followed to ensure compliance with hazardous materials regulations during loading and unloading at both ports.

Required documentation typically includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals being shipped. Import permits and compliance with Colombian customs regulations are also necessary to ensure smooth clearance upon arrival.

In practice, it means we serve people, not just packages, focusing on face-to-face communication, thoughtful support, and long-term trust rather than one-off transactions.

Shippers can join the “One Test Run Challenge” by giving us a single shipment, which we use to demonstrate what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like, with a dedicated page available to get started.

Access to SAMMIE comes with every ocean, air, land, and customs service at no extra cost.