Rex's Freight Notes
DG Documents Do Not Match: What Happens Next?
When the documents and the cargo disagree, the useful response is not blame. It is a controlled correction before the next step depends on the wrong information.
Written by Rex Xu·Shanghai, China
Shanghai Dangerous Goods & International Freight Forwarding Expert
Published
2 min read
Short Answer
Identify the mismatch, ask the responsible source to confirm the correct information, record the revised version and assess the effect on the booking. An acknowledged discrepancy is not resolved merely because someone agrees to take the risk.
Classification, packing and acceptance remain subject to the current edition of applicable regulations, carrier review and port requirements. Confirm before shipment.
Describe the mismatch precisely
A product name, package count or weight may differ between documents. Record the conflicting fields and which documents contain them.
Do not assume intent from an error. The immediate task is to establish what the actual shipment contains and which source can verify it.
Correct the source, not just the copy
Supplier-issued product information should be clarified with its issuer. Shipment quantities should be checked against the actual packing information.
Keep a clear version trail and tell the relevant parties what changed. An unexplained edit can leave different teams working from different descriptions.
Review the effect before continuing
A correction may affect acceptance, price, handling or timing. Reconfirm the affected part of the plan instead of treating it as an administrative detail.
If a material discrepancy remains unresolved, pause the affected operation. Responsibility cannot be reduced to a generic statement that the forwarder—or the customer—carries all consequences.
Questions I get asked about this
- Does an error mean deliberate misdeclaration?
- No. Establish the facts without assuming intent.
- Can you change the supplier’s file for me?
- The issuer should confirm corrections to its information. Changes need a traceable basis.
- Will correcting a field change the quote?
- Possibly, if it changes the cargo or service assumptions. Review the consequences first.
- Can we proceed if I accept the risk?
- Customer consent cannot replace accurate documents or required acceptance. Resolve the material issue first.
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China DG Export: Packaging, Maritime and Customs
Different documents, different purposes: coordinate the actual shipment.
Dangerous Goods Classification: Start with the Product
Product evidence, open questions and a clear handover.
IMDG Code: From Rules to Shipment Planning
Rules, acceptance and destination responsibilities are separate checks.
Send me the shipment details
Cargo, UN number if you have it, quantity, packaging, destination and the required arrival date. If the classification is unsettled, say so and attach the MSDS.