Chemical Cargo Securing Solutions South Africa

SGS Certified Lashing and Strapping for Chemical Drums, IBCs, and Bulk Chemical Transport

Securing Chemical Cargo — The Compliance Context

Chemical cargo represents one of the highest-liability freight categories in the South African logistics sector. Whether chemicals move as dangerous goods under the IMDG Code, as regulated non-hazardous products, or as bulk chemical transport by road, the consequences of inadequate cargo securing are significant: cargo damage, chemical spills, regulatory penalties, insurance disputes, and in serious cases, risk to personnel and environment.

The CTU Code, or Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units, applies directly to the securing of chemical cargo in shipping containers. It requires that cargo be secured against the forces of sea transport using correctly rated and independently verified securing systems — and that those responsible for packing and securing the cargo accept responsibility for its safe arrival.

DunLash supplies South African chemical exporters, logistics providers, and packaging contractors with SGS certified cargo securing products designed to meet the load restraint requirements of chemical freight across road, rail, and sea transport.

In addition to our chemical cargo securing solutions, we offer a full range of lashing, strapping, desiccant, and cargo protection products. Read more about these product specifications below:

Polyester Lashing Specifications
Composite Strapping Specifications
DunLash Ultra Container Desiccant Specifications
CTU Code Cargo Securing Guidance
Cargo Lashing Equipment Johannesburg
Cargo Lashing Equipment Durban

Chemical Cargo Securing Challenges

Chemical cargo presents specific securing challenges that differ from standard general cargo:

• Drum and IBC packaging — cylindrical drums and intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs, are unstable when stacked and susceptible to movement if not correctly strapped or lashed.
• High cargo value and liability — chemical spills or cargo shifting events carry significant financial and regulatory consequences.
• Hazardous goods regulations — DG cargo requires securing that meets both IMDG Code requirements and general CTU Code standards simultaneously.
• Weight distribution — bulk chemical products in drums and IBCs can create high point loads and centre-of-gravity challenges inside containers.
• Temperature sensitivity — some chemical products degrade if securing systems allow cargo to shift and damage packaging integrity during temperature-variable ocean voyages.
• Moisture sensitivity — hygroscopic chemicals and moisture-sensitive formulations require desiccant protection in addition to physical securing.

DunLash Products for Chemical Cargo Securing

Composite Polyester Strapping — Palletised Drums and IBCs

DunLash composite polyester strapping is widely used to unitise and secure palletised chemical drums, jerry cans, and packaged chemical products. The strapping provides horizontal restraint, prevents individual units from shifting during transport, and complements the container’s internal lashing where applicable.

All DunLash composite strapping is SGS certified. Systems include matched buckles, tensioners, and accessories. Contact DunLash for tooling recommendations for your packing operation.

Woven Polyester Lashing — Heavy Chemical Totes and IBC Securing

For larger chemical totes, intermediate bulk containers, and heavy chemical equipment, DunLash woven polyester lashing provides the higher system strengths required:

Woven polyester lashing does not corrode, does not scratch or dent packaging surfaces, and absorbs dynamic transport forces rather than transmitting them rigidly — reducing the risk of packaging damage during sea transport.

Container Desiccants — Moisture-Sensitive Chemical Cargo

Many chemical products are hygroscopic, meaning moisture-absorbing, or are packaged in materials that degrade under high humidity. DunLash Ultra container desiccants protect moisture-sensitive chemical cargo during ocean freight by absorbing up to 250% of their weight in moisture at 30°C and 80% relative humidity.

For primary packaging applications — sealed drums, instrument cases, or chemical storage containers — DunLash PacDry primary desiccants, made from Montmorillonite clay and US MIL-D-3464E compliant, provide targeted moisture control within individual packages.

CTU Code Compliance for Chemical Cargo

The CTU Code is particularly relevant for chemical cargo because it creates direct accountability for the person or company responsible for packing and securing the container. Key CTU Code requirements for chemical cargo include:

• Cargo must be secured to prevent movement in all directions — longitudinal, lateral, and vertical — during sea transport.
• Securing systems must be rated for the actual cargo weight and the dynamic forces of the transport mode.
• DG cargo requires compliance with the relevant provisions of the IMDG Code in addition to the CTU Code.
• A container packing certificate or vehicle packing declaration must be completed, confirming that the container has been packed and secured in accordance with the applicable regulations.

DunLash provides cargo securing assessments for chemical exporters to verify that their securing approach meets CTU Code requirements and is supported by independently verified product specifications.

Chemical Cargo Securing FAQs

Do DunLash securing products meet IMDG Code requirements for dangerous goods?

DunLash supplies the physical securing products — strapping, lashing, and desiccants — that form part of a CTU Code and IMDG Code compliant securing system. The specific IMDG requirements for dangerous goods classification, packaging, labelling, and documentation are the responsibility of the shipper and their DG compliance consultant. DunLash products provide the independently certified securing elements of the system.

What strapping is recommended for securing palletised chemical drums?

DunLash composite polyester strapping in 25mm or 32mm widths is commonly used for palletised chemical drum unitisation. The 32mm system achieves a breaking strength of up to 2,771 daN, which is suitable for the majority of palletised chemical cargo applications. For heavier individual drum or IBC weights, DunLash can advise on the appropriate product.

Can DunLash desiccants be used with chemical cargo?

DunLash Ultra and PacDry desiccants are chemically inert and are used with a wide range of cargo types including chemicals. For specific chemical compatibility requirements, DunLash recommends confirming that the desiccant product is suitable for the particular chemical cargo type before use.

Why is cargo securing especially important for chemical transport?

Chemical cargo can carry higher safety, environmental, regulatory, and insurance risk than general cargo. Poorly secured drums, IBCs, or chemical bulk cargo can shift during transport, causing packaging damage, leaks, spills, contamination, or compliance disputes.

Does DunLash assist with chemical cargo securing assessments?

Yes. DunLash provides cargo securing assessments to help chemical exporters, logistics operators, and packaging contractors select appropriate strapping, lashing, desiccants, and securing methods for the cargo type, route, container, and transport mode.

Contact DunLash to discuss cargo securing solutions for your chemical transport operations, whether by sea, road, or rail.

Lashing Product Range

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