Export Documentation: Dangerous Goods Notes
SHIPPER’S DANGEROUS GOODS NOTE DGN
This is used instead of the SSN (Standard Shipping Note) to accompany hazardous goods to a forwarder, inland clearance depot or seaport. It may be used only for surface carriage and this includes the Channel Tunnel. It must be submitted to a port authority at least twenty four hours in advance of the arrival of goods to satisfy the requirement of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas DSHA regulations 1987 for notification in advance. Like the SSN, the DGN can be used as a pre-shipment advice when using HM Customs’ simplified clearance procedure for exports to countries outside the EC.
The DGN must be signed by the consignor, not for example by a forwarding agent, and gives the status and contact details of the signatory. It is a seven-part self-copy form set and unlike most export documents it must be printed in red with distinctive flashing down the right side All the information needed must be given because an inadequately-completed DGN may endanger lives and property. Different or incompatible dangerous goods should be entered on separate DGN’s. Some receiving authorities will not accept continuation sheets. Small quantities of dangerous goods may be accepted for groupage by road and sea, but the carrier will ensure that incompatible hazardous goods are not carried in the same unit and that they do not endanger other consignments.
SHIPPER’S DANGEROUS GOODS NOTE DGN FOR ROAD AND SEA
How to use the SITPRO DGN
When dangerous goods are transported, the consignment must be accompanied by a document containing information declaring the nature of the dangers of the goods. The SITPRO DGN enables the shipper to complete one standard document for all consignments irrespective of the port or inland depot of departure. By doing this it provides complete, accurate and timely information to the receiving authority and to everyone else concerned with the consignment at each stage of the movement. The greatest benefit of using the DGN is that a receiving authority is given clear and precise information on how the goods should be handled.
The DGN has been used widely and successfully throughout the UK and has now been updated to take account of modern transport techniques, cargo handling practices and changes in documentation and control procedures.
Remember: Any inaccuracies or omissions in the data the shipper provides may compromise safety, cause confusion, add to costs and delay consignments.
International Transport
The 1999 SITPRO DGN reflects the documentary requirements of the current versions of the Merchant shipping (dangerous goods and marine pollutants) regulations and the International maritime dangerous goods (IMDG) code. The DGN also reflects the documentary requirements of the Regulations concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail (RID), the European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road (ADR).
The DGN is based on the example of a multimodal dangerous goods form that is published, in virtually the same format, in UN Recommendation 11 – Documentary aspects of the international transport of dangerous goods, and all three of the international regulations for surface modes of transport.
Domestic Transport National regulations must be followed for procedures and documentation for dangerous goods transported solely within the United Kingdom. Domestic movements by sea within the UK must comply with the provisions of the IMDG code.
Within Great Britain and Northern Ireland there are domestic regulations which require compliance with the provisions of RID for rail and ADR for road. These regulations include compliance with the documentary requirements of RID and ADR as appropriate.
Domestic Regulations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland require a carrier to ensure that a transport document accompanies a consignment of dangerous goods. A carrier is also required to keep a written record of the information contained in the transport document and to retain it for three months. Although the onus is on the carrier to retain information about the transport movement, it is good practice for the shipper to keep a copy of the transport document for the same period. There is no similar provision for the domestic transport of dangerous goods by sea.
This is an extract from Tate’s Export Guide, for more information in regards to exports, imports or to purchase documentation ( Including Dangerous Goods Notes) please visit our website (www.tatefreightforms.co.uk) or call us on 01908 221162.
Topics: Customs Procedures, Documentation, Getting Started, and Transport & Logistics