IMDG Code 2024 Edition (Amendment 43-26), 2 Volume Set

Overview The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) lays out the regulatory framework for all aspects of handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea transport. The IMDG Code is divided into two volumes: Volume 1 containing sections on general provisions, definitions and training; classification; packing and tank provisions; consignment procedures; construction and testing of packagings, IBCs, large packagings, portable tanks, MEGCs and road tank vehicles and transport operations; and Volume 2 containing the Dangerous Goods List, special provisions and exceptions, Appendix A (list of generic and N.O.S. proper shipping names), Appendix B (glossary of terms) and the Index. Since it was first published in 1965, the Code has undergone many changes, in both format and content, in order to keep up with the rapid expansion of the shipping industry. Amendment 43-26 includes updates to the provisions for the carriage of batteries and clearer criteria for the transport of vehicles, including electric vehicles. It also introduces new special provisions for vehicle safety assessment (SP 980), revisions to existing special provisions SP 961 and SP 962, new UN entries for lithium and sodium-ion battery systems, updates to segregation distances for radioactive cargo, and consequential amendments to the EmS Guide. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee at its one hundred and eleventh session in May 2026 and is mandatory from 1 January 2028 but may be applied by Administrations in whole or in part on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2027. The provisions of the Code should be of interest to maritime administrations, shipping companies, manufacturers, packers, shippers, feeder services such as road and rail, and port authorities. Spanish Código IMDG Código Marítimo Internacional de Mercancías Peligrosas El Código marítimo internacional de mercancías peligrosas (Código IMDG) establece el marco regulador de todos los aspectos de la manipulación de mercancías peligrosas y contaminantes del mar en el transporte marítimo. El Código IMDG está dividido en dos volúmenes: Volumen 1: contiene las Disposiciones generales, definiciones y capacitación; la Clasificación; las Disposiciones relativas al embalaje/envasado y a las cisternas; los Procedimientos relativos a la remesa; la Construcción y ensayo de embalajes/envases, recipients intermedios para graneles (RIG), embalajes/envases de gran tamaño, cisternas portátiles, contenedores de gas de elementos multiples (CGEM) y vehículos cisterna para el transporte por carretera, y las Disposiciones relativas a las operaciones de transporte. Volumen 2: contiene la Lista de mercancías peligrosas, disposiciones especiales y excepciones; el apéndice A (Lista de nombres de expedición genéricos y de designaciones correspondientes a grupos de sustancias y objetos no especificados en otra parte (N.E.P.); el apéndice B (Lista de definiciones), y el índice. Desde que se publicó por primera vez, en 1965, el Código ha sido objeto de numerosos cambios, tanto de formato como de contenido, a fin de responder a la rápida expansión del sector del transporte marítimo. El Comité de Seguridad Marítima de la Organización adoptó la Enmienda 43-26, que incorpora las revisiones de diferentes secciones del Código y de las prescripciones relativas al transporte de sustancias específicas, en su 108º periodo de sesiones, celebrado en mayo de 2024. El Código tiene carácter obligatorio a partir del 1 de enero de 2026, aunque las Administraciones lo pueden aplicar con carácter voluntario, en su totalidad o en parte, desde el 1 de enero de 2028. Las disposiciones del Código deberían ser de interés para las administraciones marítimas, las compañías navieras, los fabricantes, las empresas encargadas de la arrumazón, los expedidores, los servicios de enlace (como los de carretera y ferrocarril) y las autoridades portuarias. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON E-BOOKS OR E-READERS. Please review our terms and information for IMO e-Reader purchases before purchasing, or contact sales@amnautical.com. Specifications Title: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24) Publisher: International Maritime Organization (IMO) IMO Number: IO200E Edition: 2024 (42-24) Publication Date: 2024 Voluntary use: 1 January 2025 Mandatory From: Jan 1, 2026 Format: Hardcover, 2 volumes; also available digital/PDF Language: English (Spanish, French on request) ISBN: Vol 1 – 978-92-801-1783-1; Vol 2 – 978-92-801-1784-8 Size: A4 (210 x 297 mm) Weight: 8.65 lbs per unit Binding: Hardcover Previous Edition: 2022 (Amendment 41-22) Supplement: 2024 Supplement (sold separately) Delivery: Ships in 1-2 business days from Florida; international available Format Options: Print-only, Digital-only (online access), or Print + Digital bundle Regulatory Regulatory Agency - IMO Regulatory Standard - 42 Amendment Effective Date - 2026-01-01 T: 00:00:00 Shipping & Delivery Weight: 8.65 lbs per unit Master Carton: 3 units, 25.96 lbs Origin: US Tariff Code: 4901100000 UNSPSC: 55101516 Cartons/Pallet: 60 Units/Pallet: 180 Shipping Options: Standard: Ships in 1-2 days, delivers 3-7 days (FedEx/UPS, tracking by email) Expedited: 2-Day & Overnight options, Saturday delivery available International: Standard (7-21 days), Express (3-7 days major ports), all with tracking; customs/duties apply Additional Information What is the IMDG Code? The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the globally accepted regulatory framework for the safe transport of hazardous materials by sea. Published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and mandatory under the SOLAS Convention, the IMDG Code establishes uniform international standards that protect mariners, port workers, the environment, and property from the risks associated with dangerous goods. What the IMDG Code Covers The Code provides comprehensive guidance on every aspect of dangerous goods transport: Classification: How to identify and assign dangerous goods to one of 9 hazard classes based on their primary danger Packaging: Requirements for selecting, constructing, and testing suitable packagings that can safely contain hazardous materials during transport Marking and Labeling: Specifications for labels, marks, and placards that communicate hazards to all personnel handling the cargo Documentation: Procedures for preparing dangerous goods declarations, manifests, and container packing certificates Stowage and Segregation: Rules for where dangerous goods can be placed on a vessel and how far apart incompatible substances must be kept Handling and Transport Operations: Operational requirements during loading, carriage, and discharge Emergency Response: Procedures for responding to incidents involving dangerous goods at sea The 9 IMDG Code Classes All dangerous goods are categorized into nine classes based on their hazard type: Class 1 – Explosives Substances and articles with explosion hazard (further divided into 6 divisions by explosion type) Class 2 – Gases Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic) Class 3 – Flammable Liquids Liquids with flash points at or below specified temperatures Class 4 – Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which Emit Flammable Gases in Contact with Water Three divisions of solid materials with fire hazards Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides Materials that release oxygen and can cause or intensify fire Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances Substances that can cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin Class 7 – Radioactive Material Materials containing radionuclides where concentration and activity exceed defined values Class 8 – Corrosives Substances that cause severe damage to living tissue or corrode metals and other materials Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles Materials presenting dangers not covered by other classes (e.g., lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous substances) Within these classes, dangerous goods are further categorized by packing group (I, II, or III) indicating the degree of danger, with Packing Group I being the most dangerous. What's New in the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24? (2024 Edition Key Updates) Amendment 42-24 incorporates significant updates across multiple areas of dangerous goods regulation. Fleet operators, cargo planners, and dangerous goods professionals must understand these changes to maintain compliance. 1. Lithium Battery Transport Enhancements Lithium batteries (UN 3090, 3091, 3480, 3481) continue to be a focus area due to their prevalence and fire risk. Amendment 42-24 includes: Updated Packaging Instructions: P903 (lithium metal batteries) – Revised cushioning and separation requirements P909 (lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment) – Enhanced testing protocols P910 (lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment) – Modified marking specifications Special Provision Changes: Clarifications on when batteries are considered "damaged" or "defective" New requirements for transporting prototype or pre-production batteries Enhanced documentation for recycled or waste lithium batteries Practical Impact: Shippers and carriers must verify that lithium battery shipments comply with the updated packaging instructions. Non-compliance is one of the most common dangerous goods violations and can result in serious incidents. 2. Revised Packaging and IBC Specifications Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Updates: Modified design requirements for composite IBCs Updated inspection and testing intervals New provisions for IBC reuse and reconditioning Portable Tank Changes: Enhanced structural integrity requirements for certain tank types Revised test pressure specifications Updated marking requirements for tank identification Salvage Packaging: New regulations for packaging damaged or leaking dangerous goods packages Specifications for salvage packagings and salvage pressure receptacles Practical Impact: Container operators and cargo packers must ensure IBCs and portable tanks meet the new specifications. Older units may require re-certification or retirement. 3. Dangerous Goods List (DGL) Amendments The Dangerous Goods List in Chapter 3.2 includes numerous changes: New UN Numbers: Several new entries for previously unlisted substances or new formulations Reclassifications: Some existing entries have been moved to different classes or packing groups based on updated hazard data Proper Shipping Name Changes: Modifications for clarity and consistency with UN Model Regulations Special Provisions: New or amended special provisions (SPs) for specific entries affecting packaging, stowage, or documentation Practical Impact: Verify that your dangerous goods declarations reflect the current DGL entries. Using outdated proper shipping names or classifications constitutes non-compliance. 4. Enhanced Stowage and Segregation Requirements Segregation Table Revisions: Updated compatibility requirements for certain class combinations New segregation provisions for marine pollutants Clarifications on "away from" foodstuffs requirements Stowage Category Changes: Specific UN numbers reassigned to different categories (A, B, C, D, E) This affects where on the vessel these goods can be stowed (on deck, under deck, holds) Practical Impact: Cargo planners must review stowage plans against Amendment 42-24 requirements. Improper stowage or segregation is a critical safety deficiency. 5. Marine Pollutant Identification Updates Expanded Marine Pollutant List: Additional substances identified as marine pollutants requiring the "P" mark Updated environmental hazard criteria Marking Requirements: Clarified placement of marine pollutant marks on packages and freight containers New specifications for marine pollutant symbol dimensions and durability Practical Impact: Environmental compliance is increasingly scrutinized. Ensure all marine pollutants are properly identified and marked to avoid penalties and environmental incidents. 6. Documentation and Declaration Improvements Dangerous Goods Declaration: Enhanced requirements for electronic dangerous goods documentation Standardized data fields for digital interchange Container Packing Certificate: Updated form with additional data elements Clarifications on responsibility for certificate accuracy Multimodal Documentation: Alignment with other transport mode requirements for seamless multimodal shipments Practical Impact: Digitalization of shipping documentation is advancing. Ensure your documentation systems can generate compliant IMDG Code declarations in both paper and electronic formats. 7. Emergency Response Procedures EmS Guide Updates (found in IMDG Supplement): Revised emergency schedules for specific substances based on incident analysis Updated firefighting and spill response procedures MFAG Updates (Medical First Aid Guide in Supplement): New treatment protocols for exposure to certain hazardous substances Enhanced first aid guidance for crew medical response Practical Impact: These updates improve crew safety during incidents. Ensure your vessels have both the main IMDG Code and the 2024 Supplement with current EmS and MFAG guidance. 8. Limited Quantities and Excepted Quantities Revised Thresholds: Some UN numbers have modified limited quantity thresholds affecting packaging and marking exemptions Labeling Changes: Updated specifications for limited quantity marks Practical Impact: Limited quantity shipments offer simplified requirements but must comply with the specific provisions. Verify your limited quantity procedures align with Amendment 42-24. 9. Quality Assurance and Competent Authority Approvals Enhanced QA Requirements: More detailed quality assurance program requirements for certain packaging manufacturers Updated competent authority approval procedures for specific dangerous goods Practical Impact: Packaging suppliers and dangerous goods with special approval requirements (e.g., organic peroxides, self-reactive substances) must verify that approvals remain valid under Amendment 42-24. Frequently Asked Questions When does Amendment 42-24 become mandatory? The mandatory implementation date is January 1, 2026. From that date forward, vessels must carry the 2024 Edition. Can I continue using the 2022 Edition? Only until December 31, 2025. After January 1, 2026, carrying the 2022 Edition constitutes non-compliance. Do I need both volumes? Yes, the complete IMDG Code consists of two volumes, both of which are required on vessels carrying dangerous goods. Is the IMDG Supplement included? No, the Supplement is a separate publication that must be ordered separately. It contains the EmS Guide, MFAG, and other essential materials also required under SOLAS. Is this the official IMO publication? Yes, American Nautical Services supplies authentic IMO publications. This is the genuine Amendment 42-24 as published by the IMO, not an unauthorized reproduction. Can I order a digital version? Yes, digital versions are available. Contact ANS for more information on digital formats. How often is the IMDG Code updated? The IMO publishes new editions every two years on a predictable cycle (2022, 2024, 2026, etc.). What languages are available? The English edition is in stock now. Spanish and French editions are also published by IMO and can be ordered through ANS. Do you ship internationally? Yes, ANS ships worldwide. Can ANS help with IMDG Code training? Yes, we offer training resources and can recommend certified training providers. Contact us for IMDG Code training solutions.