Goodssubstances

Goodssubstances is a coined term used to describe substances that function as goods in commercial transactions or that are traded as tangible commodities. The concept is not standardized in official classifications, but it is used in economic and logistics literature to distinguish materials that are bought, sold, and shipped as products from services, assets, or intangible offerings.

Scope and examples: goodssubstances can be solids, liquids, or gases and include raw materials (such as ores, chemicals, and agricultural inputs), finished goods (packaged foods, consumer chemicals, machinery components), fuels, and other commodities. They may be classified by hazard, origin, or sector, and they are often subject to customs and invoicing rules that assign product codes such as the Harmonized System (HS).

Regulatory and safety considerations: Many goodssubstances are regulated as chemicals or hazardous materials. International systems such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for labeling, the CLP Regulation in the EU, and transport rules under IMDG, IATA DGR, and ADR govern handling, packaging, and transport. Safety data sheets (SDS) provide hazard information. Environmental and sustainability concerns may apply to sourcing, production, and disposal.

Role in trade and logistics: In supply chains, goodssubstances move through producers, distributors, logistics providers, and retailers. Data standards such as HS codes, GS1 identifiers, and SKU systems enable tracking, customs clearance, and inventory management. Efficient handling of goodssubstances requires compliance with labeling, packaging, and storage requirements and coordination across borders.