Hydrogen peroxide, also known as hydrogen peroxide solution, is primarily composed of hydrogen peroxide and water and acts as a strong oxidizing agent.

Hydrogen peroxide itself is non-flammable, but it can react with combustible materials to release large amounts of heat and oxygen, potentially causing fires or explosions. Hydrogen peroxide is most stable at a pH of 3.5 to 4.5 and decomposes rapidly in alkaline solutions. It can also decompose when exposed to strong light, particularly short-wavelength radiation. When heated above 100°C, it begins to decompose rapidly. It forms explosive mixtures with many organic substances such as sugars, starches, alcohols, and petroleum products, which can explode upon impact, heating, or exposure to an electric spark. Hydrogen peroxide rapidly decomposes and causes explosions when it comes into contact with many inorganic compounds or impurities, releasing large amounts of heat, oxygen, and water vapor. Most heavy metals (such as iron, copper, silver, lead, mercury, zinc, cobalt, nickel, chromium, manganese, etc.) and their oxides and salts act as active catalysts. Dust, cigarette ash, carbon powder, rust, etc., can also accelerate decomposition. Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration exceeding 74% can cause a gas-phase explosion in a sealed container with an appropriate ignition source or temperature.

Hydrogen peroxide poses the following health hazards:

1. Inhaling hydrogen peroxide vapors or mist can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract.

2. Direct contact with the liquid can cause irreversible damage to the eyes or even blindness.

3. Ingestion can cause abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, temporary motor and sensory impairments, and fever. In some cases, vision impairment, epileptic seizures, and paralysis may occur. Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide can cause contact dermatitis.

High temperatures, strong light, and other climatic factors pose challenges for the management of hazardous chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide.

Customs authorities remind enterprises involved in the production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen peroxide for import and export to pay attention to the following matters in their safety work:

Export Declaration Precautions

Enterprises must truthfully declare hydrogen peroxide solutions with different hydrogen peroxide concentrations in accordance with requirements. Hydrogen peroxide solutions [with a concentration greater than 8%] are listed in the “Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals (2015 Edition)” and require an application for hazardous chemical inspection and hazardous goods packaging certification. In the United Nations Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, there are three codes related to hydrogen peroxide solutions:

1.UN 2984: Hydrogen peroxide solution, containing 8% to 20% hydrogen peroxide (with stabilizers if necessary), classified as a 5.1 oxidizing substance, with packaging group III.

2.UN 2014, hydrogen peroxide solution containing not less than 20% but not more than 60% hydrogen peroxide (with stabilizers if necessary), primary hazard: Class 5.1 oxidizing substances, secondary hazard: Class 8 corrosive substances, packaging group II.

3.UN 2015, hydrogen peroxide, stable, or hydrogen peroxide solution, stable, containing more than 60% hydrogen peroxide, with the primary hazard being a Class 5.1 oxidizing substance and the secondary hazard being a Class 8 corrosive substance, with a packaging group of I.

When declaring imports and exports, companies should provide contracts, invoices, packing lists, factory inspection certificates, hazard classification and identification reports, hazard warning labels, safety data sheets, results of hazardous goods packaging performance tests, and explanations of stabilizer addition.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions with a hydrogen peroxide content below 8% are not hazardous goods.

Cargo Safety Precautions

Select appropriate containers, apply labels and markings, attach safety data sheets, and store in accordance with requirements.

1.Storage: Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in compliant facilities. Manufacturers and storage/transportation companies must possess relevant qualifications and permits. Storage areas for hydrogen peroxide solutions should be kept away from sources of fire and heat. Warehouse temperatures should not exceed 30°C. Keep containers sealed. Store separately from flammable/combustible materials, reducing agents, and active metal powders; do not store together. Storage areas should be equipped with emergency leak response equipment and appropriate containment materials. Firefighting and evacuation routes should be kept clear.

2.Transportation: Hydrogen peroxide solutions should be transported in suitable containers in accordance with relevant international transportation regulations. Container markings should include performance specifications. Containers should be labeled with hazard warning labels as required and accompanied by a safety data sheet. Packaging should be labeled with transportation warning labels and include the official transportation name and United Nations number.

2.1 For sea transport, hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration of over 20% (UN 2014, UN 2015) must have pressure relief valves or venting ports on plastic drums (containers). For solutions with a concentration of over 60% (UN 2015), containers must have at least 10% residual capacity and must not be transported in intermediate bulk containers. The lids used must be breathable liquid-resistant devices. Packaging must be placed upright.

2.2 For air transport, only hydrogen peroxide solutions with a concentration of 40% or less are permitted, and only packaging of Class II or higher may be used. No exhaust ports or pressure relief valves are allowed.

Before exporting, companies must carefully read the relevant international regulations based on the mode of transport, select, and correctly use suitable packaging.