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Storage of hazardous materials

Logistics via bol takes over the storage of stock from partners. Many items are welcome in our fulfilment centers (BFCs), but it is possible that an item contains hazardous materials. We perform an extra check for this. On this page, you will find the guidelines that bol applies for this.

Not every item is suitable for processing in a fulfilment center (BFC). Some items contain hazardous materials. Storing these types of items can pose or create risks.

Legislation for both transport and storage has been established for packaged hazardous materials.

  • Transport: the European ADR regulations
  • Storage: the Dutch guideline Publication Series Hazardous Materials (PGS 15)

Hazardous materials assessment and storage

It is important to have the correct classification for items. This way, bol can comply with the legally required guidelines (PGS 15) for the storage of goods. bol uses 3 assessments for items. Each assessment is subject to its own storage guidelines.

  • Items that do not contain hazardous materials
  • Items that contain hazardous materials in Classes 2.1 and 2.2, 3 and 4.1
  • Items that contain hazardous materials in Classes 5, 8 and 9

Regular items

  • Items with this classification do not contain hazardous materials.

Storage

  • We store these items in one of the fulfilment centers.
Example of regular items.

Hazardous materials in Classes 2.1 and 2.2, 3 and 4.1

Items with this classification contain substances whose storage poses a risk.

Examples:

  • Classes 2.1 and 2.2: Pressurized aerosols such as deodorant and hairspray
  • Class 3: Flammable liquids such as perfume, aftershave, disinfectant hand gel, scent sticks
  • Class 4.1: Flammable solids such as matches and firelighters

Storage

  • We have the capability to store these items in one fulfilment center. Special bunkers have been built at this location. This is a fire and environmentally safe area. You send the shipment for this to BFC2.
Suitable hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials in Classes 5, 8 and 9

Most items with this classification contain substances that bol cannot or may not store. Please note: there are a few exceptions that allow items within the mentioned classification to be stored. After Quintens' assessment of the classification, it will be determined whether an item can be stored.

Examples of non-permissible items:

  • Class 5: Oxides and peroxides, such as certain types of (hair) dye
  • Class 8: Corrosive substances, such as strong chemical cleaning agents
  • Class 9: Other (environmentally) hazardous materials, such as car perfume, superglue, and chlorine tablets

Please note: items containing Lithium-ion do not fall within this scope. Separate regulations exist for these.

Storage

If we are not allowed to store the item based on the assessment provided, and the item is already in the warehouse? Then we will return the item to the partner within 24 hours.

Unsuitable hazardous materials.

Register for Logistics with hazardous materials

As a partner, you can use Logistics via bol. This allows you to outsource the logistics process. Registration for this service is subject to certain conditions.

Determination of hazardous materials classification

To determine whether an item contains hazardous materials, bol engages an external party: Quintens Advies en Management. When partners register for the storage of hazardous materials, they are asked to share safety documentation with this external company.

Quintens then classifies, with the assistance of machine learning, whether the items are part of the PGS 15 product range.

1

First check of pre-notified items

When you pre-notify an item containing hazardous materials to our fulfilment centers, bol sends the description of these items to Quintens for verification.

2

Initial assessment

Quintens then draws up an initial assessment and shares it with bol. We immediately register this assessment for future pre-notifications. Depending on the assessment, we communicate any necessary actions to our fulfilment centers to enable the items to be placed in the bunker.

3

Request for safety documentation from partner

Depending on the initial assessment, additional safety documentation is required from the partner. Quintens will contact you as a partner regarding the items in question and what documentation is needed.

4

Binding assessment

After assessing the safety documentation, Quintens issues a binding assessment. bol records the assessment.

How we work best together

Important points about the process for hazardous materials in Logistics via bol:

  • The safety documentation must be updated by the partner.
  • If partners do not respond to safety documentation requests from external party Quintens Advies en Management, bol reserves the right to return the items in question to the partner.
  • Classifications can change over time due to new insights into the substances. It may therefore happen that an item was not initially classified as hazardous but later became so, or vice versa. Bol ensures that the item is stored correctly.

Hazardous materials storage fees

For the storage of items with hazardous materials, bol currently applies a surcharge due to the additional handling and specific storage. View the fees here.

Frequently asked questions

about the storage of hazardous materials Logistics via bol

Any questions?

If you have additional questions about whether your product range is suitable for Logistics via bol, please contact Partnerservice for personal advice.