Shipping Bulk Liquids: Your Guide to Essential Certificates and Standards

Ensure Your Bulk Liquid Shipments are Safe and Compliant

Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, navigating the world of shipping can be daunting. With so many certificates and standards to remember, it's important to understand the essential requirements for ensuring your cargo is transported safely and efficiently. In this guide, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the key certificates and standards you need to know when shipping bulk liquids, helping you navigate this industry's complexities easily.

Ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the supply chain and protecting the environment are crucial factors when choosing a bulk logistics solution. Selecting equipment that meets recognized industry standards is vital to achieving this goal.

By following these guidelines, you can have peace of mind knowing that your bulk logistics solution is reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible.

When selecting the right bulk logistics solution, looking out for key certifications and standards that ensure quality and environmental safety is crucial. ISO9001, 14001, and 22000 are commonly used quality, environmental, and food safety management systems that should be independently certified through recognized global accreditation bodies.

However, it’s never enough to rely on standards alone and communication with the Flexitank or ISO Tank operator is vital to ensure that the certification and operational requirements are fully understood. For example, Kosher and Halal cleaning certificates can often be requested by shipper or receiver. For ISO Tanks, confirmation from the operator of up to the last 3 cargoes carried can also be a requirement. To ensure that your specific needs are met, targeted auditing will play a vital part in thoroughly evaluating the bulk solution proposed. It will help ensure the solution not only complies with legal requirements but also aligns with your unique quality and environmental standards. Don’t settle for anything less than the highest level of safety and quality in the bulk solution you decide upon.

When it comes to Flexitank design and production, there are several key features to look for.

Your suppliers should have a dedicated and knowledgeable food safety team that constantly evaluates the effectiveness of the supply chain. Responsible organizations are now taking extra measures to protect against malicious and fraudulent activities by conducting VACCP (Vulnerability & Critical Control Points) and TACCP (Threat Analysis & Critical Control Points) supply chain assessments. It helps prevent any potential threats or vulnerabilities that could compromise the safety of your food products.

Both systems involve identifying potential risks and developing strategies to prevent or mitigate them.

Shipping petrochemicals is a complex process that requires a high degree of attention to detail and compliance with regulatory standards. Effective containment is vital for all cargo shipments but is especially critical in the petrochemical sector. To ensure the safe transportation of petrochemicals, equipment must meet the most rigorous standards.

It requires a robust quality management base, rigorous testing of materials, and support throughout the supply chain, from container selection and fitting to tank loading and discharge supervision at the destination. One excellent reference in this sector is the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), which has compiled a set of guidelines focused on responsible care within flexitank selection and operations. These guidelines provide an essential framework for ensuring the safe transport of petrochemicals.

Do not forget chemical compatibility with the cargo

This is important to guard against the potential for material seepage, which can have serious environmental and safety implications. Therefore, careful dialogue and communication are required at the specifying stage to avoid potential problems. Tank designs can be tailored to resist oxidization, moisture vapor ingress, and migration of key fractions, so it is vital to avoid the temptation of purchasing 'off the peg' tanks, which may not offer the necessary protection.

When selecting a provider for your cargo, there are four important factors to consider.  Quality and safety must be built into the equipment selection and designed to ensure it's customized to your cargo. They should also be able to address the current global geopolitical situation, pandemic, and material shortages affecting supply chains. It’s also essential to consider post-discharge activities:

Overall, the best approach is to look for providers who offer an integrated solution from raw material and equipment selection to post-discharge activity management. It ensures that the provider applies the same level of responsible care and product stewardship at every stage of the supply chain.