The shipping of undeclared/misdeclared cargoes on board ship in containers continues to be a major concern to the industry. Violations of the regulations are common.

The following, in order of frequency are those violations most commonly found in the USA.

• Failing to enter the proper description of the hazardous material
• Failing to make or sign a 'shippers certification' on the shipping paper
• Failing to properly label the hazardous material container or package
• Offering a hazardous material in an unauthorised package
• Failing to mark the overpack with the shipping name, etc. when required
• Failing to properly identify hazardous materials on a shipping paper that also contains non hazardous material entries
• Failing to enter the basic description of the hazardous material in the proper sequence
• Failing to mark a non bulk package of hazardous material with the shipping name and/or identification number
• Failing to list the emergency response number for an individual who assumes responsibility for said function
• Failing to properly mark the hazardous material as required
• Labels not clearly visible or the labels are obscured
• Failing to enter the technical name in association with the proper shipping description
• Failing to mark the package with orientation arrows as required
• Failing to secure package of hazardous material against movement
• Failing to enter the total quantity of hazardous material on the shipping paper
• Failing to mark the overpack with a statement that inner packagings comply with the hazardous material regulations
• Offering a hazardous material without preparing a shipping paper (none)
• Failing to include the words ‘limited quantity’ or ‘(LTD QTY)’ as required
• Improper package marking
• Failing to enter the packing group on the shipping paper.