Recently, the shipping industry has re-emphasized that calcium hypochlorite, as a high-risk dangerous good, is strictly prohibited from being transported via less than container load (LCL) shipping. Illegal operations pose significant safety hazards.
Calcium hypochlorite (commonly known as bleaching powder or chlorinated lime) is classified as a Class 5.1 oxidizing substance under the IMDG Code, with 6 UN numbers including UN 1748 and UN 2208. All variants are marine pollutants, and some categories also have a secondary hazard of Class 8 corrosivity. It exhibits prominent dangerous properties: it is prone to exothermic decomposition when exposed to heat or impurities (such as iron, magnesium, and other metal powders), which may cause fires or explosions. Contact with acids, organic substances, ammonium compounds, etc., can trigger violent reactions, releasing toxic chlorine gas and posing a severe threat to ship safety and personnel health.
In LCL shipping, the mixed loading of different goods makes it impossible to meet the special requirements for segregation, ventilation, and on-deck stowage of calcium hypochlorite. Dangerous incidents are highly likely to occur due to cargo contact or environmental changes. Previous ship fires and explosions have all been linked to the undeclared LCL transport of calcium hypochlorite. The industry reminds that calcium hypochlorite must be shipped via full container load (FCL) with separate booking. Strict compliance with requirements such as specialized packaging, legal declaration, and standardized stowage is mandatory. Relevant enterprises must adhere to dangerous goods transport regulations and eliminate illegal operations.