Toluene (methylbenzene)
甲苯
Toluene is a high-volume aromatic solvent and feedstock for benzene-toluene-xylene downstream chains, TDI production, and aviation-fuel blending. Chinese capacity sits at integrated reformer-aromatic complexes in Ningbo, Dalian, Huizhou, and Tianjin. UN 1294, IMDG Class 3 Packing Group II flammable. Ships in stainless T11 ISO tanks for bulk and drums for sample volume. The IARC Group 3 classification (not classifiable as carcinogenic) is less restrictive than benzene, but the inhalation neurotoxicity profile still drives meaningful receiver-side handling requirements. US imports do not carry Section 301 on bulk toluene at the time of writing, though downstream TDI codes carry separate exposures. This cluster aggregates CAS 108-88-3 across the regulatory matrix and the substance-level CAS reference.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on this lane
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Class 3, IMDG Class 3
The IMDG hazard class for flammable liquids, substances with a flash point of 60 degrees Celsius or below. Covers solvents, alcohols, ketones, esters, fuels, and many industrial intermediates routinely shipped from Chinese chemical factories. Subject to packing group I, II, or III based on flash point and initial boiling point.
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PG I / II / III, Packing Group
Three-tier classification under the IMDG Code (and other transport regulations) indicating the relative severity of hazard within a dangerous-goods class. PG I is the most hazardous (great danger), PG II is medium danger, PG III is minor danger. Determines the required packaging strength and the regulatory burden of the shipment.
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UN Number, UN Number
A four-digit identifier assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to identify a hazardous substance for international transport. Required on the DG Declaration, the package marking, the placards on the container, and Section 14 of the MSDS.
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DG Declaration, Dangerous Goods Declaration
A signed shipper's document required for every dangerous-goods sea shipment, certifying that the cargo has been properly classified, packaged, marked, labelled, and is in the proper condition for transport. Issued under the IMDG Code on the IMO Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form.
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MSA China / 海事局, Maritime Safety Administration of China
The Chinese government authority responsible for maritime safety, ship registration, port-state control, and the regulation of dangerous goods carried by sea on Chinese-flagged vessels and in Chinese ports. Reports to the Ministry of Transport. MSA China issues the Dangerous Goods Container Packing Certificate (危险品集装箱适装证明) that every DG export shipment from China must carry, alongside other operational permits for chemical cargo movement.
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ISO Tank, ISO Tank Container
A stainless-steel or alloy-steel cylindrical pressure vessel mounted in a 20-foot ISO container frame, designed for the transport of bulk liquids and gases. Capacities typically 18-26 cubic metres (16-25 MT depending on cargo density). UN portable tank instructions cover four families: T1 to T22 for liquids and solids of Classes 1 and 3 to 9, T23 for Class 4.1 self-reactive substances and Class 5.2 organic peroxides, T50 for non-refrigerated liquefied gases, and T75 for cryogenic liquefied gases. ISO tanks carry the bulk of the world's hazardous liquid chemical trade and compete with parcel tankers at different scales.
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SDS, Safety Data Sheet
The 16-section document that communicates the hazards, handling, storage, and emergency response information for a chemical product. Required at destination customs for any classified hazardous chemical and at the buyer's site for worker safety. SDS is the GHS-aligned successor to the older MSDS format.
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COA, Certificate of Analysis
A document issued by the manufacturer (or by an accredited third-party lab) certifying that a specific batch of a chemical or material meets the agreed specification. Lists tested parameters, results, the test methods used, and a batch number that ties back to production.
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FOB, Free On Board
Incoterm under which the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk and cost transfer to the buyer once the cargo crosses the ship's rail. The buyer arranges and pays for sea freight, marine insurance, and all destination-side costs.
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CIF, Cost, Insurance, and Freight
Incoterm under which the seller is responsible for the cost of the goods, marine insurance, and sea freight to the named destination port. Risk transfers from seller to buyer when the goods are loaded on board at the origin port, but cost responsibility extends to destination port arrival.
Regulatory matrix
Cross-jurisdiction compliance
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Toluene (methylbenzene) under REACH
European Union listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Toluene (methylbenzene) under TSCA
United States of America listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Toluene (methylbenzene) under IECSC
People's Republic of China listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Toluene (methylbenzene) under AICIS
Australia listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Toluene (methylbenzene) under K-REACH
Republic of Korea listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
Where it is made
Chinese industrial parks on this product line
ISO tank types
Freight-form references for the cargo
Sourzi operator note
Nitration-grade toluene for TDI is the spec line that matters most on the Asia trade; the residual-water and sulphur numbers on the COA decide the fit at the downstream isocyanate plant.
Curated by Sean. Primary-source verified per the regulatory drafting rules in Sourzi CLAUDE.md.
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