In addition to outlining license criteria and sanctions for ships transporting hazardous materials, this amendment optimizes the safety oversight system.

The Chinese Ministry of Transport (MOT) published the updated provisions on the administration and safety supervision of the transportation of hazardous materials by ships on January 20, 2025. The 2018 version will be replaced on March 1st of this year. 

One of the most crucial areas for risk prevention and safety management in waterway transportation is the carrying of hazardous materials by ships. The safety supervision system, licensing criteria, and fines pertaining to ships carrying dangerous products have been optimized with the reform of laws and regulations such the Yangtze River Protection Law and the Maritime Traffic Safety Law. Therefore, in order to implement the needs of superior laws, the provisions must be modified accordingly.

Highlights

1. Reducing false reporting and concealment can be achieved by requiring shippers to give carriers more relevant materials and information about the dangerous items, such as shipping names, kind, quantity, risks, safety precautions, emergency response protocols, etc.
2. In accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), oil in bulk should be subject to stricter regulation as a dangerous good.
3. Providing more clarification on the application materials and licensing process for ships transporting hazardous products into and out of ports in compliance with the Maritime Traffic Safety Law. Before entering or leaving ports, ships transporting hazardous materials must comply with the requirements outlined in Article 21 of the Provisions and have authorization from maritime management authorities.
4. In Article 32 of the Provisions, describe the management requirements for the recently created license for the transshipment of bulk liquid dangerous products outside of port waters, together with the required application documents.
5. Clarifying the penalties for violations concerning dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals:

• The Maritime Traffic Safety Law and the Regulations on the Safety Management of Inland Waterway Traffic will govern the enforcement of penalties pertaining to unsafe items.
• The Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous substances (State Council No. 591) shall govern the enforcement of penalties pertaining to hazardous substances.
• According to Article 29 of the Administrative Penalty Law, sanctions will be applied for infractions that come under both categories.

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