In 2019, a warehouse in Los Angeles suffered a US$4M loss when a leaking bag of pool chlorine reacted with a spilled lubricant. In 2021, a container ship near Sri Lanka caught fire because TCCA drums were stored next to organic solvents. These are preventable disasters. This guide gives you the exact rules that shipping lines, customs, and insurers care about.
1. Classification and UN Numbers
| Product | UN Number | Class | Packing Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDIC (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) | UN 2465 | 5.1 Oxidizer | II or III |
| TCCA (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid) | UN 2468 | 5.1 Oxidizer | II |
Both require full DGR labeling: hazard diamond, UN number, proper shipping name, and emergency contact.
2. Approved Packaging Requirements
- 25 kg drum: must be UN-approved HDPE with sealed liner (typical: 1H2 rating)
- 50 kg drum: same HDPE spec, must have anti-drop reinforcement ring
- 1000 kg jumbo bag: only allowed by IMDG for TCCA if PG III; SDIC PG II requires drum
- Every package must show: UN number, PG, gross weight, orientation arrows, and this year’s manufacturing date
3. Storage Rules
- Segregate from all combustibles: paper, wood, hydrocarbons, ammonium compounds
- Distance: minimum 5 meters from other hazardous chemicals
- Temperature: < 30°C; must not exceed 40°C at any time
- Humidity: < 60% RH; wet chlorine tablets release NCl3 (nitrogen trichloride)
- Ventilation: continuous air changes; no confined spaces
- Ignition: no open flames, no welding, no smoking within 10 m
- Stacking: maximum 3 drums high; use pallet with drip tray
4. Incompatible Substances (NEVER STORE TOGETHER)
- Ammonium salts (produces NCl3 → explosive)
- Ammonia solutions
- Reducing agents (sodium bisulfite, sulfur)
- Organic solvents (alcohols, ketones, esters)
- Nitric acid
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Pool acid (muriatic acid HCl)
5. Ocean Freight Specifications
- 20’FCL max load: 20 tons SDIC or 22 tons TCCA (accounting for pallet weight)
- Container must be dry, no leaks, clean (previous cargo declaration required)
- Never load in wet-bottom containers or with wet dunnage
- DG document required: IMDG Class 5.1 declaration, Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form
- Some carriers charge DG surcharge US$300-800/container
- MSDS in destination language required at customs (English + local)
6. Emergency Response
Small Spill (< 1 kg)
- Wear NIOSH N95 mask + safety glasses + nitrile gloves
- Cover with dry sand or vermiculite (NEVER sawdust or paper)
- Scoop into HDPE container, seal, label
- Ventilate area 30+ minutes
Large Spill or Fire
- Evacuate 100m radius immediately
- Call fire department; tell them “Class 5.1 oxidizer, UN 2465/2468”
- Water fog only (never solid water stream — spreads chemical)
- Do not use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers alone
7. Human Exposure Response
- Skin contact: flush with running water 20+ minutes, remove contaminated clothing
- Eye contact: flush with water 30 minutes, seek medical attention
- Inhalation: move to fresh air, oxygen if breathing difficult, seek medical care
- Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; drink water/milk; go to hospital immediately
Get DGR-Compliant Shipment from Us
Shilan Chemical ships to 45+ countries with full DGR documentation: MSDS in 12 languages, COA, dangerous goods declaration, and customs assistance. Our packaging is UN 1H2 certified. Order with peace of mind →