Block 13: Physical Characteristics
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Block 13: Physical Characteristics
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Block 13 – Quick Reference
Physical Characteristics
Identifies the physical state of the waste at normal temperature and pressure using standardized codes.
Basel Basis
Annex V-B Block 13
Field Type
Physical state code(s)
Required For
All Basel movements
What Block 13 Captures
Block 13 declares the physical state of the waste under normal temperature and pressure conditions. It uses the same standardized code list as the notification document — the movement document must carry a consistent declaration. Competent authorities and emergency responders use this block during transit to understand the physical form of the material being carried.
For wastes with more than one physical state — such as lead-acid batteries, which have a solid casing and plates combined with a liquid electrolyte — all applicable codes must be declared. Declaring only one code when more apply is a common error that creates a misleading hazard profile for transport authorities.
Physical Characteristics Codes
1
Powdery / Powder
— Fine solid particulate material.
2
Solid
— Material with a defined shape and volume that does not flow under gravity.
3
Viscous / Paste
— Semi-solid material that flows slowly under pressure.
4
Sludgy
— A mixture of liquid and solid material with a semi-fluid consistency.
5
Liquid
— Material that flows freely under gravity at normal temperature and pressure.
6
Gaseous
— Material in gas phase at normal temperature and pressure.
7
Other
— Any physical state not covered by codes 1–6. Must be described in full — do not select Other without specifying the state.
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Must Match the Approved Notification
The physical characteristics declared on the movement document must be consistent with what was declared on the notification. A discrepancy between the two documents will draw authority queries and can delay the shipment at the border.
How To Complete Block 13
- Identify the physical form of the waste.Choose from the Basel Convention Annex III categories: solid, liquid, sludge, gas, or other. Select the category that best describes the waste as it will be packaged for shipment.
- Describe the physical state at the time of shipment.Use clear, objective language — e.g., "crushed and baled", "shredded", "intact units", "granulated". Avoid vague terms like "mixed" without further specification.
- Match the description to your notification.The physical characteristics recorded on the movement document must be consistent with the description submitted in the original notification. Do not upgrade or downgrade the physical state without notifying the competent authorities.
- Confirm packaging compatibility.The physical form must align with the packaging type declared elsewhere in the document. Authorities will cross-check Block 13 against packaging declarations and transport documents.
Common Errors – Correct Approach
Wrong
Selecting only code 2 (Solid) for ULABs
Correct
Select both code 2 (Solid) and code 5 (Liquid) — ULABs contain solid plates and liquid sulfuric acid electrolyte
Wrong
Selecting code 7 (Other) without describing the physical state
Correct
Always provide a full description when selecting Other — never leave it unspecified
Wrong
Block 13 on the movement document differs from Block 13 on the approved notification
Correct
Both documents must carry identical physical characteristics codes — check consistency before dispatch
Wrong
No code selected — Block 13 left blank
Correct
At least one code must be declared — Block 13 is mandatory on every movement document
Frequently Asked Questions
Can more than one code be selected?
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Yes. Where the waste has more than one physical state — as is the case with lead-acid batteries — all applicable codes should be declared. For ULABs, codes 2 (Solid) and 5 (Liquid) both apply.
Does Block 13 on the movement document need to match the notification exactly?
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Yes. The movement document must be consistent with the approved notification. Any discrepancy in physical characteristics between the two documents can trigger authority queries at the border and delay the shipment.
What codes apply to sealed (VRLA/AGM) batteries that are non-spillable?
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Sealed VRLA and AGM batteries still contain electrolyte in absorbed or gel form. Code 2 (Solid) applies to the casing and plates. Whether code 5 (Liquid) or code 3 (Viscous/Paste) applies to the electrolyte depends on the specific battery type — confirm with the battery manufacturer's technical data sheet and declare consistently with the approved notification.
Supporting Documents
- vCOP8 Official Movement Document — Annex V-B Block 13— Official Basel source for the physical characteristics code list and completion instructions.
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DexMetal Expert Tip
For ULAB exports, the correct Block 13 entry is codes 2 and 5 — Solid and Liquid. This applies to both flooded and sealed battery types. Declare it the same way on every movement document under a general notification to maintain consistency with the approved notification and avoid any document-to-document discrepancies that could attract scrutiny.
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Block 12: Designation of Waste
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Block 14: Waste Identification Codes
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