What it is
The IMDG Code is the IMO’s code for the carriage of dangerous goods by sea in packaged form: classification, packing, marking, labelling, placarding, documentation, stowage and segregation on board.
It is mandatory under SOLAS chapter VII and MARPOL Annex III, and it is amended every two years, with a one-year voluntary period before each amendment becomes compulsory.
Where it applies
Every ship flying the flag of a SOLAS state, which is nearly all international shipping, and every port that loads dangerous goods in packaged form.
What to know
- 01The same nine classes and UN numbers as the ADR and the IATA DGR, so a multimodal shipment keeps one classification along the chain.
- 02The Dangerous Goods List gives, for each UN number, the packing group, packing instructions, stowage category and segregation group.
- 03Segregation keeps incompatible classes apart on board and inside a container; the container packing certificate attests it was done.
- 04The shipper’s dangerous goods declaration and the container packing certificate must reach the carrier before loading.
- 05Marine pollutants carry an additional mark and are governed by MARPOL Annex III.
- 06Chapter 1.3 requires training for shore-side personnel involved in dangerous goods by sea.
Who needs to know it
- Shippers and forwarders booking dangerous goods in containers.
- Container packers, who sign the packing certificate.
- Dangerous goods and air/sea students: IMDG is an examined block.
An informative summary, not legal advice. Always check the current text of the rule before deciding.