The IMDG Code - IMO Dangerous Goods Regulations

Get Your IMDG Book from Labelmaster

IMO Notice: December 1, 2020 - The IMO announced a five-month delay in enforcement of the coming Amendment 40-20 of the IMDG Code due to the ongoing pandemic. The new mandatory date is June 1st, 2022 instead of January 1st, 2022. Voluntary compliance remains unchanged at January 1st, 2021.

Addenum Notice: January 6, 2020 - The IMO has released an addendum to the 39th edition of the IMDG Code. Please download the IMO Addendum PDF, print, and keep with your copy of the IMDG Code for reference from this point forward.

What is the IMDG Code?

The IMDG Code is the global, international reference for shipping dangerous goods by maritime vessel on the water. The 2-volume IMO DG regulations is required for anyone shipping DG by water and features updates and revisions regarding packaging and storage requirements for all regulated hazardous materials.

Adopted in the 1965
Formed to prevent all types of sea pollution
Ensures safe packaging and transport of dangerous goods by sea
Applies to all cargo ships around the world
Created per UN recommendations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Latest edition published in 2018, the 39^th Amendment

The IMDG Code, 2018 39th Amendment includes:

Detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials, and articles
Standard requirements to all aspects of handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea transport
A number of recommendations for good operational practice, including advice on terminology, packing, labeling, storage, separation, and handling emergency response action
Such recommendations and advice for manufacturers, packers, shippers, feeder services such as road and rail, and port authorities as well as mariners

2018 IMDG Code, 39th Amendment is Effective January 1, 2019
and Required January 1, 2020

What’s New in the IMDG Code 39th Amendment?

18 new segregations group codes
Many updates and additions to the Dangerous Goods List (DGL)
Overhauled Chapter 2.8, Classification of Corrosives
Clarification that only the applicable Proper Shipping Name (PSN) should be used when there are several distinct PSNs under one UN Number
Stowage categories of several Class 1 materials have been amended
Chapter 5.3 is now extended to cover bulk containers.