Code of practice for packing of transport units and related informative material
- IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of practice for packing of cargo transport units (CTU CODE)
- Informative material related to the IMO/ILO/UNECE code of practice for packing of cargo transport units (CTU CODE)
CMA CGM wants to ensure that your cargo arrives at destination in the same condition it left your warehouse. To help with that goal, it's important that you remember that during the voyage, your cargo will be subjected to many things that can create problems if proper care isn't taken.
- Cargo can be in transit for up to several weeks
- Adverse weather conditions, ocean swells, storms....
- Significant temperature variances
Other concerns can be created by:
- Improper packaging for the journey
- Improper container choice
- Incorrect labelling
Please scroll down to find some of the most common causes of cargo damage, as well as some suggestions of ways which will help to prevent their occurence.
Shipper/Packer Responsability
Classification – Customs Code
For all goods to be shipped, CMA CGM requests the shipper to provide the local agency at the time of the booking with the international HS Code (Harmonised commodities System Code). This code is mandatory for customs reasons. You can find the correct code by visiting ASYCUDA web site. In addition to this HS code, we ask for the UN number if the commodity to be transported is regulated as Dangerous goods for sea transport.
Container Transport Unit (CTU) adapted to transport
We highly recommend you to visit our different Containers Transport Unit on our logistic sites nearest to you in order for you to choose the most suitable for your goods. 
Maximum payload authorised referring to CSC plate
Customers should never exceed the maximum payload permissible displayed in the CSC plate affixed on the Container Transport Unit.
Loading - Transport by sea
Cargo must be correctly packed, braced, blocked, lashed and secured into the unit in order to prevent cargo from moving and suffer damages. Rolling up to 45° (heavy weather conditions), gravitational forces up to 3 may take place.
Training
Shore-based personnel engaged in the transport of dangerous goods intended to be transported by sea shall be trained in the contents of dangerous goods commensurate with their responsibilities (Chapiter 1 Code IMDG).
Specific goods with risk
| Specific Goods with Risks | Description |
|---|---|
| Protected Species: As it’s CMA CGM Group policy to comply with all international and local laws and regulations, this also included all those concerning the protection of endangered species of wild fauna and flora. Consequently, CMA CGM is committed to ban any transport (dry or reefer) of shark fins. |
| Wastes: Waste are materials that are not prime products for which the generator has no further use in terms of his own purposes of production, transformation and consumption, and of which he wants to dispose (Basel Convention, UE regulation…) We recommend our shippers to check local regulations at the port of loading and at the port of discharge in addition to the international regulations. |
| Dangerous goods:Some goods which are not dangerous in accordance with the IMDG Code can be hazardous during the sea transport and endangered the crew or cause damages to the vessel. For example coils, stone blocks, out of gauge, break bulk... |
| Fumigation: Fumigation is a hazardous operation, involving chemical products which can be harmful for human life and environment. A fumigated container remains hazardous IMO Class 9-UNN°3359 until ventilation but the fumigation warning sign affixed to the door remains in place until unstuffing at the final destination. |
| Flexitanks: The carriage of products classified as hazardous and/or hazardous for the environment is forbidden in flexitanks. In fact, this kind of packaging is not listed in the IMDG Code. The container must be clearly identified as containing a flexitank in order to arrange a proper stowage on board. This information should be provided at the time of the booking and a warning sign should be affixed on the container. The main risk of flexitank is the total loss of the content in case of incident (incident could cost around $500 000). |
