Since 1 Dec 2012, Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods (GB 6944-2012) and List of Dangerous Goods (GB 12268-2012) enter into force to replace their 2005 versions. Together with Packing Symbols of Dangerous Goods (GB 190-2009), they are three basic and significant national standards mainly applicable to the transport of dangerous goods by waterway, road, railway and air in China.
Chinese standard-setters always take reference from international legislations/ rules and have the standard revised accordingly. In terms of GB 6944 and GB 12268, their 2005 and 2012 versions are formulated according to the corresponding parts of the different versions of UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods-Model Regulations (UN RTDG-MR), which is revised every two years.
GB 6944
By comparison, major changes in the 2012 edition are listed as follows,
More concrete and specific criteria for identification of the Classes and Divisions of dangerous goods are described;
The assignment and composition of compatibility groups of explosives are added;
The precedence of hazard characteristics of the 9 classes of dangerous goods is prescribed;
The packing group of dangerous goods is added.
GB 12268
In line with the UN RTDG-MR, the 2012 edition makes the following amendments:
1) The structure of the List of Dangerous Good is adjusted: the column “special provisions” is added to replace the column “remarks”;
2) Two new appendixes are added:
Appendix A List of generic and N.O.S. proper shipping names;
Appendix B Special provisions applicable to certain articles or substances.
Meanwhile, three parts in the GB 12268-2005, including the Appendix A assignment and compatibility groups of explosives, the Appendix B precedence of hazards and the packing groups of dangerous goods, are removed but incorporated into the GB 6944-2012.
3) An “index”, which is a list of dangerous goods ordered according to the Chinese Pinyin, is added.
Units and individuals involved in the transport of dangerous goods shall comply with the two newly effective standards to do the classification, determine predominant or subsidiary risks, assign the compatibility groups of explosives and packing groups of some classes and divisions and so on. Besides, it is highly recommended to check the special provisions in the list of dangerous goods and make sure the goods have carried correct packing symbols.
