Class 8 covers substances that damage skin, metal or other materials by chemical action. Acids, alkalis and many cleaning and battery chemicals fall in this class. The main risks in transport are leakage and reaction with other cargo, so packaging quality and segregation are critical. We arrange Class 8 exports from China by sea, by air where permitted, and by express for small samples.
Products we commonly ship
- Acids: sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, formic and acetic acid
- Alkalis: sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in solid and solution form
- Lead-acid batteries and battery fluid
- Cleaning chemicals, descalers, etching solutions and other corrosive formulations
- Glacial acetic acid and other products with a subsidiary flammable hazard
Packaging and handling
- Corrosion-resistant UN packaging such as HDPE drums and jerricans, with tightly sealed closures
- Outer packaging and inner containers compatible with the specific chemical, since some acids attack certain plastics or metals
- Class 8 label, UN number and, where applicable, subsidiary hazard labels
- Strict segregation: acids apart from alkalis, and corrosives apart from flammable liquids and other incompatible classes
Products with a subsidiary hazard, such as glacial acetic acid (corrosive and flammable), must be declared with both hazards and packed accordingly. Corrosives can also damage aircraft structure, so air freight is tightly limited.
What we need to quote your shipment
Send us the details below and we will confirm routing, carrier acceptance and price for your Class 8 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
FAQ
Are lead-acid batteries dangerous goods?
Yes. Wet, filled lead-acid batteries are Class 8. Non-spillable batteries can qualify for different treatment when they pass the required tests. Send us the battery type and test data.
Can corrosive goods be shipped by air?
Yes in some cases, in limited quantities per package and with approved packaging. For larger volumes we normally recommend sea freight.
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.