Exports of chemical-grade heavy spar powder leave from Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration]
The 07-23 Amendment to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code came into mandatory effect for all International Maritime Organization (IMO) contracting states on Jan 1.
The addition in the amendment of the new cargo category, chemical-grade heavy spar powder, will standardize and facilitate maritime transport. The powder, proposed by Xiamen as a Chinese Shipping Standard, has become an internationally recognized standard.
China exports around 100,000 metric tons of chemical-grade heavy spar powder annually, with a production value of over 100 million yuan ($13.6 million).
The majority of the exports are shipped from Xiamen Port, accounting for a significant portion of global market share.
As early as 2021, the absence of chemical-grade heavy spar powder from the IMSBC Code's list of cargoes severely hindered the smooth conduct of international trade.
To address the pressing issue, the Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration submitted a proposal to the IMO to include chemical-grade heavy spar powder as Group A cargo.
The proposal was approved and it was added to the IMSBC Code's list of cargoes through the 07-23 Amendment.
The initiative was recognized as a "national first" in the evaluation of the 19th batch of innovative measures in the Fujian Free Trade Zone.
Next, the Xiamen Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to be in line with international high-standard economic and trade rules, expand the institutional opening-up and lead with innovation-driven initiatives.