Exporting chemicals involves more than moving a container. Packaging, paperwork and the rules of both countries all matter. This guide covers what buyers should prepare before asking for an export quote.
Start with product and destination
Give the exact chemical, CAS number, grade, form, quantity and delivery country or port. Some chemicals are restricted or need permits, and the rules depend on the product and the destination.
Check import requirements in your country
Importing chemicals often requires registrations, permits or notifications, and it is normally the buyer's job to confirm them. Ask your local authority or customs broker what applies before you order.
Documents commonly involved
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Transport document, such as a bill of lading for ocean freight or an air waybill for air freight.
- Safety Data Sheet for each product.
- Certificate of origin or other certificates when the buyer requires them.
- Dangerous goods documents for regulated materials.
Packaging and hazard classification
Many chemicals are regulated as dangerous goods for transport, and ocean and air freight have their own rules. The packaging has to suit the product and the shipping mode. See how to read an SDS, since Section 14 shows the transport classification.
Choose shipping terms
Incoterms such as FOB, CIF and DAP define who pays for freight and insurance and where responsibility passes from seller to buyer. Decide which terms you want so quotes are comparable.
Use a freight forwarder or customs broker
Forwarders and brokers handle bookings, customs filings and delivery, and the right one can reduce mistakes with regulated cargo.
NTC supplies industrial chemicals to buyers in the US and abroad, preparing export paperwork and arranging packaging and freight. See international chemical export for the details, or our nationwide chemical distribution if you ship within the US.
Building an export checklist
Many export delays come from small gaps that could have been found earlier, so it helps to work from a checklist. Confirm the exact product, CAS number, grade and packaging. Check whether the product is restricted or needs a permit in the destination country, and who is responsible for obtaining it. Agree which shipping terms apply and who pays for each part of the journey. Make sure the Safety Data Sheet is current and available in the form the destination requires. Confirm that the packaging is suitable for the shipping mode and that labels match the product and its hazard classification. Decide who will act as freight forwarder and customs broker, and share the shipment details with them early. Finally, keep copies of every document, because buyers, carriers and authorities may ask for them later. NTC prepares export paperwork and arranges freight as part of its export service. Rules differ by product and destination, so you should confirm requirements with your own broker or authority.
Request a quote
Planning to buy US chemicals for export? Tell us the product, quantity, packaging and delivery location through the quote form, email sales@nanotechnologychemicals.com or call 704-659-3682. All pricing is by quote.