Shipping Industrial Chemicals from Santo Tomas de Castilla to Cartagena via Ocean Freight

Transporting moisture-sensitive chemical goods demands tight-closing drums or jerricans, vapor-barrier wraps, and drying agents inside cartons or overpacks. It is important to clearly note “Keep Dry” on labels and booking notes and not use open or vented storage and transit equipment where humidity can build up.

For most regulated chemical products, tested and approved packaging is mandatory when shipping by road, sea, or air. The specific UN packaging code and performance level are determined by the product’s hazard class and packing group shown on the SDS. Be sure to confirm with your dangerous goods specialist or carrier whether your industrial chemicals are fully regulated, limited quantity, or exempt before selecting packaging.

Most industrial chemicals shipments must include a dangerous goods declaration, the latest SDS, and complete labels and markings that correspond to the classification. Our team recommends including emergency contact details, handling instructions (e.g., “Keep Dry,” “Do Not Stack”), and any special approvals required by local authorities for specific chemical goods.

You can sometimes consolidate different chemical products, but only if they are compatible. First review the SDS and relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA tables to ensure acids, bases, oxidizers, flammables, and other chemical products are properly separated. Use segregation panels and clear labeling when combining multiple hazard classes.

Because industrial chemicals can cause significant loss if leaks occur, specialized cargo coverage is advisable. Carefully 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 handled in accordance with international maritime regulations, including the IMDG Code, which outlines packaging, labeling, and stowage requirements to ensure safety during transport. Additionally, specialized containers may be required to prevent contamination and leakage.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, safety data sheets (SDS), and customs declarations for both Guatemala and Colombia, detailing the nature and quantity of the chemical goods being transported. Compliance with local regulations regarding hazardous materials is also essential.

DNA Supply Chain brings 30+ years of experience with global reach and local touch, using deep carrier relationships to move freight worldwide with precision and white-glove attention at every step.

No, DNA uses in-house customs brokerage with automation to reduce errors and accelerate clearance, rather than outsourcing to third-party brokers with outdated, manual documentation processes.

Our “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to move a single shipment with DNA so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership, showing how our SAMMIE platform and proactive team perform in a real-world test.