The Hidden Cost of Dangerous Goods
When a marine chemical is classified as dangerous goods (DG), every step in the supply chain becomes more expensive and more complex. DG-classified products require:
- DG-rated packaging — UN-approved containers add cost per unit
- DG documentation — shipper's declarations, Material Safety Data Sheets in specific formats, carrier approvals
- DG surcharges — air freight surcharges of 30–100% above base rates; sea freight surcharges vary by carrier
- Segregation requirements — DG cargo must be stored and transported separately from general freight
- Carrier restrictions — not all carriers accept DG cargo; available routing is limited
- Longer lead times — DG booking windows, handling delays and routing limitations add days to delivery
For vessel operators needing urgent chemical supply at a foreign port, these constraints can mean the difference between a same-day dispatch and a multi-day delay.
The CFS Approach: Transport-Efficient Formulations
CFS Chemicals formulates its products with transport logistics as a design criterion — not an afterthought. The goal is to deliver full descaling and rust treatment performance while minimising freight complexity wherever possible.
CFS Descaler: Ready-To-Use is Non-DG
- 4:1 concentrate — 1 part CFS Descaler + 4 parts water = ready-to-use solution
- Concentrate is DG classified — standard DG freight and handling applies to the concentrate
- RTU solution is Non-DG — once diluted, the ready-to-use solution ships as general freight
- Concentrate economy — ship 4x less volume versus ready-to-use alternatives, reducing total freight cost even with DG handling
- Same descaling performance — phosphoric acid at working dilution is fully effective on calcium carbonate scale
CFS RustOff Gel: Non-DG
- Ready to use — no dilution required, Non-DG classified
- Ships as general freight — by air, sea and road with no DG surcharges
- Air freightable worldwide — critical for urgent vessel supply
Cost Comparison: DG vs Non-DG Shipping
Consider a typical scenario: supplying 20L of descaler to a vessel at a Middle Eastern port via air freight from Australia:
| Cost Factor | DG-Classified Descaler (RTU) | CFS Descaler (4:1 Concentrate) |
|---|---|---|
| Product volume needed | 80–100L ready-to-use | 20L concentrate (makes 100L RTU) |
| Freight weight | ~100 kg | ~24 kg |
| DG surcharge | 30–100% on air freight | DG rates apply to concentrate, but 4x less volume shipped |
| DG documentation | Required — shipper's declaration, approvals | Required for concentrate — refer to SDS |
| Carrier availability | Limited — DG acceptance varies | DG carriers required, but smaller shipment = more options |
| Typical lead time | 3–7 business days | 2–5 business days |
The concentrate economy alone (4x less volume to ship) can significantly reduce total delivered cost compared to shipping ready-to-use alternatives — even accounting for DG handling on the concentrate. For Non-DG products like CFS RustOff Gel, standard freight rates apply with no surcharges.
Who Benefits Most?
- Ship chandlers and marine suppliers — simpler inventory, faster dispatch, no DG handling requirements
- Fleet operators — reduced total cost of chemical supply across vessel fleet
- Vessel engineers — product available faster when needed, from more suppliers and ports
- Distributors and resellers — no DG licence required for storage or sale in most jurisdictions
- Superyacht management — non-DG chemicals simplify compliance for captain and crew
Frequently Asked Questions
What does non-DG mean for chemical products?
Non-DG (non-dangerous goods) means the product does not meet the classification thresholds for dangerous goods under international transport regulations (IATA, IMDG, ADG/ADR). Non-DG products can be shipped as general freight without dangerous goods documentation, packaging, labelling or surcharges.
Can non-DG classified descalers still be effective?
Yes. Transport classification depends on the formulation, concentration and packaging — not the product's cleaning effectiveness. CFS Descaler achieves a favourable transport profile through its concentrate formulation and proprietary acid-inhibitor package, while maintaining full descaling performance at working dilution.
How much can non-DG classification save on freight?
DG surcharges vary by carrier and route, but typically add 30–100% to base freight rates for air shipment. Sea freight DG surcharges are smaller but still significant. Combined with CFS Descaler's 4:1 concentrate economy, total freight cost per treatment can be 60–80% lower than shipping ready-to-use DG-classified alternatives.
Discover CFS Chemicals — Engineered for Logistics
Our products are formulated with transport efficiency in mind. Contact us for pricing, samples or distributor opportunities.