Class 4.1 covers solids that ignite easily or burn readily through friction, heat or a spark, along with self-reactive substances and desensitized explosives. Many of these products are common industrial chemicals, so the classification is easy to overlook. We arrange Class 4.1 exports from China by sea and, where the product allows, by air.
What Class 4.1 includes
- Readily combustible solids, such as matches, sulfur and naphthalene
- Metal powders and some coated metal powders, such as coated aluminium powder
- Self-reactive substances, such as azodicarbonamide blowing agents, which can decompose under heat
- Desensitized explosives wetted with water or alcohol
- Polymerizing substances that can react dangerously without stabilizer
Products we commonly ship
- Safety matches and strike-anywhere matches
- Sulfur, hexamine fuel tablets and naphthalene balls
- Azodicarbonamide and other foaming agents for plastics and rubber
- Metal powders used in coatings, additive manufacturing and other industrial applications
Handling and packaging
- UN-certified drums, fibre drums, boxes or bags for the packing group, kept dry and sealed
- Self-reactive substances may need temperature control, and some types are not accepted by every carrier
- Keep away from heat, ignition sources and oxidizers during storage and stowage
- A current SDS and, where needed, a classification report or test data for self-reactive products
Some Class 4.1 goods are forbidden or heavily restricted on aircraft. If your cargo is time-sensitive, tell us the product and UN number first so we can check air acceptance before you plan around it.
What we need to quote your shipment
Send us the details below and we will confirm routing, carrier acceptance and price for your Class 4.1 cargo.
- Product name, UN number, class and packing group (from the SDS, Section 14)
- Current SDS (16 sections) and, for batteries, the UN38.3 test summary
- Quantity, package type and gross weight per package
- Origin city or port, destination port or address, and Incoterm
- Cargo ready date and required delivery date
Class 4.1 shipping FAQ
Are matches dangerous goods?
Yes. Safety matches and other matches are regulated as Class 4.1 and cannot be shipped as ordinary cargo. Packaging, quantity and mode of transport are all controlled.
Can azodicarbonamide be shipped by sea?
Yes, as a self-reactive substance under the IMDG Code, with the correct packaging and, depending on the type, temperature and stowage conditions. Send us the SDS for review.
Regulations are revised regularly. IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 is mandatory from 1 January 2026 and the 67th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations applies during 2026. Requirements vary by carrier, port and destination, so please contact us to confirm the rules for your specific shipment.