General, Sensitive, or Prohibited? Know the Difference!

Daily Freight Forwarding Tip｜Common Types of Cargo in International Trade

In international shipping, apart from the commonly known general cargo and sensitive goods, there are several other types of cargo that must be clearly distinguished. Misclassification can easily lead to delays, penalties, or even customs detentions. Here’s a breakdown of common cargo types:

① General Cargo

Definition: Standard goods that do not require special handling, storage, or permits. They are neither dangerous nor temperature-sensitive.

Examples: USB cables, backpacks, clothes, shoes, toys (without magnets or batteries).

Key Points: Easy to clear through customs; low risk of inspection or detention.

② Sensitive Goods

Definition: Goods that fall between general cargo and prohibited items. They may require special declaration, packaging, or documentation.

Examples:

• Liquids: Cosmetics, perfumes
• Powders: Flour, pharmaceuticals
• With batteries: Watches, laptops
• With magnets: Earphones, music boxes
• With motors: Blenders, hair dryers
• Others: Branded replicas, food products, supplements
  Key Points: May be subject to stricter import/export regulations and higher risk of inspection.

③ Prohibited Goods

Definition: Items that are illegal to ship due to their potential threat to safety, law, or the environment.

Examples: Drugs, weapons, explosives.

Key Points: Shipping prohibited goods is illegal and may lead to severe legal consequences.

④ Dangerous Goods

Definition: Substances classified by ICAO/IATA as hazardous. These include flammable, corrosive, toxic, radioactive, or explosive materials.

Categories: There are 9 major categories, including flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosive substances, etc.

Key Points: Require professional handling, certified packaging, labeling, and detailed documentation.

⑤ Frozen/Refrigerated Goods

Definition: Perishable items that must be transported and stored in a cold environment.

Examples: Seafood, meat, dairy products, mushrooms, ice cream.

Key Points: Must be shipped using cold chain logistics (refrigerated or frozen containers).

⑥ Special Cargo

Definition: Goods that require unique handling due to their size, weight, value, or nature.

Examples: Heavy machinery, large equipment, artworks, antiques.

Key Points: Often needs customized packaging and transport solutions, and sometimes special customs procedures.

Summary: Properly classifying your cargo is essential for smooth customs clearance and timely delivery. Always consult with a professional freight forwarder before shipping to avoid unnecessary delays or costs.