REACH, GHS and Export Documentation for Fine Chemicals from China

Documents Are Part of the Product

For fine chemicals, importing is a documentation exercise as much as a logistics one. Customs stops, warehousing bans and workplace safety audits are all triggered by paperwork missing at the wrong moment. Here is what to request from a Chinese supplier — and what it must contain.

1. GHS-compliant SDS (MSDS)

Mandatory for every shipment under GHS. Check it matches the exact product, batch and label; covers storage, handling, PPE and first aid; and shows correct GHS pictograms and hazard statements for the transport classification. If your forwarder cannot read it, ask for a bilingual version — a properly prepared export supplier (like Topfine Chemical) ships both formats on request.

2. Batch-specific COA

The COA is batch-linked, not a template: assay with method, impurity profile, moisture, and QC stamp. Our quality verification guide walks through each line.

3. REACH / SVHC declarations (EU)

Importers into the EU need to know if their substance is registered, or exempt (fine chemicals typically import at volumes below registration thresholds). Ask for a REACH/SVHC declaration covering substances of very high concern; our certification page lists the REACH documentation we maintain.

4. TSCA statements (US)

US imports require the substance to be on the TSCA inventory or to qualify for an exemption. A written TSCA statement from the exporter is standard practice — request it with the quotation, not after shipping.

5. Dangerous goods documentation

If the product is classified DG — roughly a third of chemical intermediates — the shipment needs: UN number and proper shipping name on all papers, DG declaration from the shipper, UN-certified packaging with correct marks, and IMDG/IATA compliance. Suppliers who run DG shipments daily (as we do) prepare these as part of the packing process, not after the ship sails.

6. Certificate of Origin

Free under most arrangements and worth real duty savings under FTAs — ask whether a CO is available for your destination.

The Supplier Test

If a supplier cannot produce batch-specific COA and MSDS before you pay, that is a red flag. Confirm in writing who bears the risk of non-conforming goods, and request third-party pre-shipment inspection (SGS, Intertek, BV) for first orders. The full document list is on our import documents checklist.