The CTU Code and Chemical Cargo
The CTU Code, published jointly by the IMO, ILO, and UNECE, applies to anyone involved in packing cargo into containers, vehicles, or any cargo transport unit. For chemical cargo specifically, the CTU Code establishes that:
- The packer of a CTU is responsible for ensuring the cargo is correctly secured to withstand the forces of the transport mode — including sea transport, road transport, and rail.
- Cargo must be restrained against longitudinal, lateral, and vertical forces defined by the transport conditions.
- Securing systems — strapping, lashing, and dunnage bags — must be rated for the actual cargo weight and must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and test data.
- A Container Packing Certificate or Vehicle Packing Declaration must be completed for all CTU shipments, confirming compliance with applicable regulations.
- For dangerous goods, the CTU Code requirements are additional to, and do not replace, the IMDG Code requirements for classification, packaging, marking, labelling, and documentation.
IMDG Code — What It Means for Chemical Cargo Securing
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code classifies dangerous goods into nine classes including flammables, oxidisers, toxic substances, corrosives, and compressed gases. The IMDG Code specifies the packaging, marking, and stowage requirements for each class — but physical cargo securing within the cargo transport unit is the domain of the CTU Code.
In practice, for a South African chemical exporter, this means the physical securing of dangerous goods cargo inside a container must meet the dynamic force requirements of the CTU Code, using securing products that can be documented as fit for purpose.
An independent test certificate — such as DunLash’s SGS certification — provides that documentation.
DunLash Cargo Securing Products for Chemical Transportation Safety
SGS Certified Strapping for Palletised Chemical Cargo
DunLash composite polyester strapping provides independently tested and certified restraint for palletised drums, jerry cans, IBCs, and packaged chemical goods. The SGS certification provides the documented test data required for CTU Code compliance.
| DunLash Composite Strapping | System Strength |
|---|
| 25mm with buckle | Approx. 1,800 daN — lighter palletised drums |
| 32mm with buckle | Up to 2,771 daN — heavier palletised IBCs |
| 32mm AAR-rated, DC 105 AAR | Up to 2,771 daN — rail and intermodal compliant |
SGS Certified Lashing for Heavy Chemical Totes and Equipment
For larger chemical IBCs, bulk chemical totes, and chemical processing equipment, DunLash woven polyester lashing provides the higher system strengths required — with SGS certification providing the documented proof of performance.
| DunLash Lashing | System Strength |
|---|
| DunLash 200, 42mm | Up to 9,580 daN |
| DunLash 750, 50mm | Up to 13,850 daN |
Container Desiccants — Protecting Moisture-Sensitive Chemicals
Hygroscopic chemicals — those that absorb moisture from the atmosphere — can degrade, cake, or react when exposed to elevated humidity inside shipping containers.
DunLash Ultra container desiccants absorb up to 250% of their weight in moisture, maintaining a dry container atmosphere for moisture-sensitive chemical cargo throughout the full voyage.
Chemical Transportation Safety — Documentation and Due Diligence
In the event of a chemical cargo incident — spill, damage, load shift, or customs query — the ability to demonstrate that cargo was correctly secured using verified, fit-for-purpose products is the first line of legal and insurance defence.
DunLash provides:
- SGS Technical Inspection Reports for all strapping and lashing products — documenting independently witnessed test results.
- Product specification sheets for all DunLash cargo securing products.
- Guidance on CTU Code application for specific chemical cargo types and weights.
- Cargo securing assessments for chemical exporters requiring documented compliance support.
Road Transport of Chemicals in South Africa
Chemical cargo moved by road in South Africa is subject to the National Road Traffic Act and its regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, including SANS 10228, SANS 10232, and COTO Technical Guidelines.
While road transport regulations and sea transport regulations are distinct frameworks, the physical securing requirements for chemical cargo in road vehicles share the same underlying principle: cargo must be restrained against the dynamic forces of transport using products rated for the task.
DunLash composite strapping and woven polyester lashing products are used by South African chemical logistics operators for both road and sea transport applications, providing a consistent securing standard across the full supply chain.
