ISO Tank Export from India to China: Handling Residual Hazardous Cargo (Silane) – Aipex Case Study

Shipping an empty ISO tank or MEGC container with hazardous residue is often more complex than shipping a full container. Even minimal residue requires strict compliance with dangerous goods (DG) regulations, documentation, and port approvals.

Aipex recently handled a specialized shipment involving a 20ft ISO tank (SOC container) moving from Chennai (India) to Shanghai (China) with residual Silane gas, a highly flammable and hazardous substance

Shipment Overview

• Container Type: 20ft ISO Tank / MEGC (SOC container)
• Route (POL → POD): Chennai → Shanghai
• Gross Weight: 17,024 kg
• Residual Cargo: Approx. 200 kg (Silane)
• Incoterms: CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

Understanding the Shipping Terms (CIF)

The shipment was executed under CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms.

Under CIF:

• The seller is responsible for freight and insurance up to the destination port (Shanghai)
• The buyer takes responsibility after arrival

This means Aipex ensured that the container was shipped safely with freight booking, documentation, and compliance fully managed up to Shanghai port.

About the Hazardous Residue (Silane)

The ISO tank contained residual Silane gas, which is classified as extremely hazardous:

• Chemical Name: Silane (SiH₄)
• Nature: Pyrophoric gas (can ignite spontaneously in air)
• Hazard Class: Flammable gas

According to the MSDS, Silane:

• “may ignite spontaneously in contact with air and form explosive mixtures”
• Requires strict handling, ventilation, and safety controls

Even small residue quantities must be treated as full DG cargo during transport.

Key Challenges in This Shipment

1. Shipping Residual DG Cargo

Even though the tank was “empty,” the 200 kg residue of Silane required:

• Full DG declaration
• Proper labeling and marking
• Special handling procedures

2. Special Equipment Handling (ISO Tank / MEGC)

ISO tanks and MEGC containers require:

• Additional approvals
• Special documentation
• Handling under Form 13 (special equipment clearance)

3. Compliance & Port Approvals

To ensure smooth export, Aipex arranged:

• Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate)
• Special equipment approvals
• DG compliance checks before gate-in

Step-by-Step Execution by Aipex

1. Slot Booking with Shipping Line

Aipex secured a competitive slot rate with ONE Shipping Line, ensuring timely vessel allocation.

2. DG & Safety Compliance

Before movement, Aipex ensured:

• DG classification and documentation
• MSDS verification
• Compliance with international transport regulations

For similar hazardous shipments, Aipex provides expert support through Dangerous Goods Courier Service, ensuring safe global transport.

3. Fire NOC & Special Equipment Approval

Aipex arranged:

• Fire department approval
• Form 13 clearance for ISO tank / MEGC equipment

4. Gate-In Process

The container was gated in smoothly at Chennai port with all compliance checks completed in advance, avoiding delays or rejections.

5. Export Execution to Shanghai

The shipment was successfully loaded and shipped from Chennai to Shanghai under CIF terms, ensuring full compliance and safety.

Why This Shipment Is Important

This case highlights Aipex’s expertise in handling:

✔ ISO tank / MEGC shipments
✔ Hazardous residue cargo
✔ DG compliance and documentation
✔ Port approvals and special equipment clearance
✔ International export logistics

Pro Tips for ISO Tank & Residue Shipments

• Never treat “empty tanks” as non-DG if residue exists
• Always declare residual cargo correctly
• Obtain Fire NOC and special approvals in advance
• Ensure MSDS is accurate and updated
• Work with logistics partners experienced in DG and ISO tank handling

Handling an ISO tank shipment with hazardous residue requires more than just booking freight — it demands technical expertise, compliance management, and coordination across multiple authorities.

Aipex successfully executed this shipment from India to China, ensuring safety, compliance, and timely delivery without operational delays.

👉 Looking to handle ISO tank exports, DG cargo, or special equipment shipments?
Contact Aipex Worldwide for expert logistics solutions.