Code of practice for packing of transport units and related informative material

CNC aims to ensure that your cargo arrives at your destination in the same condition when it left the place of origin. To achieve this goal together, it is important that proper care is taken as your cargo could be subjected to various conditions during transportation where problems may arise.

Factors that may affect your cargo condition:

  • Long transit which may be up to several weeks
  • Adverse weather conditions such as storms and ocean swells
  • Significant variances in temperature

Other concerns may be created by:

  • Improper packaging used
  • Wrong choice of container used
  • Incorrect labelling

Please find some of the most common causes of cargo damage below, as well as some suggestions which could help prevent such occurrences:

Responsibility of Shipper/Packer

Classification – Customs Code

Before cargoes are shipped, CNC requires the shipper to provide our local agency with the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) code, at the time of the booking the shipment. This code is mandatory for customs purposes. The correct code can be found on ASYCUDA website. In addition to the HS code, we require the UN number if the cargo to be transported is regulated under Dangerous Goods for ocean freight.


Container Transport Unit (CTU) adapted for transportation

CNC offers a range of container transport units to suit different cargoes. Please click here to select the most suitable solution for your cargo.
Container Transport Unit


Adhere to the maximum payload allowed

Do not exceed the permissible maximum payload as displayed on the CSC plate that is affixed on the Container Transport Unit.

CSC Plate - Maximum payload authorised

Loading - Transport by sea

Vessel Rolling up to 45°


During an ocean freight journey, there is a chance where the vessel may roll up to 45° under heavy weather conditions and gravitational forces (acceleration of gravity) up to 3G may occur. Therefore, cargoes must be correctly packed, braced, blocked, lashed and secured into the unit to prevent cargoes from moving during the voyage which may result in unnecessary damages.

Training of shore-based personnel on handling dangerous cargo

Our shore-based personnel who are engaged in the transport of dangerous goods via ocean freight are highly trained and well versed with the related regulations.

Specific cargoes with risks

Specific cargoes with risks Description

Cargo care1

Protected species:
The CMA CGM Group complies with all international and local laws and regulations, which also includes the protection of endangered species of wild flora and fauna. We are committed to banning any transportation of shark fins.

Cargo care2

Waste materials:
Waste materials products which the generators have no further use in terms of their own purposes of production, transformation and consumption, and which they want to dispose of (reference: Basel Convention; EU regulation). For such cargoes, we recommend our shippers to check international regulations as well as local regulations at the port of loading and port of discharge.

cargo care

Dangerous goods range:
Some goods which are not classified as dangerous in the IMDG Code can still be hazardous during sea transport. For example, cargoes such as coils, stone blocks, out-of-gauge and breakbulk, if not properly handled, may put the lives of our crew in danger or cause damages to the vessel.

Cargo care4

Fumigation:
Fumigation is a hazardous operation that involves chemical products which may harm human life and the environment. A fumigated container remains hazardous (IMO Class 9-UNN°3359) until it is ventilated. However, the fumigation warning sign affixed to the door must remain in place until unstuffing is completed at the final destination.

Cargo care5

Flexitanks:
The transportation of products classified as hazardous and/or hazardous for the environment is not allowed in flexitanks. This kind of packaging is not listed in the IMDG Code. The container must be clearly identified that it contains a flexitank so as to arrange proper stowage onboard. At the time of booking, this information should be provided and a warning sign must be affixed on the container. The main risk a flexitank poses is the total loss of the contents in case of an incident, which could cost around $500,000.