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Home › Cargo Operations › IMDG Code — Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form
Operational guide · Operational procedure

IMDG Code — Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Packaged Form

The new 2024 edition (Amendment 42-24), mandatory from 1 January 2026: what changes for the classification, packaging and stowage of dangerous goods in packaged form.

IMDG Codehazardous cargodangerous goodscontainer

Operational Explanation

The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) governs the classification, packaging, labelling, documentation and stowage of dangerous goods carried in packaged form (not in bulk) by sea, including those in containers.

Update from 1 January 2026: Amendment 42-24 (the 2024 edition of the IMDG Code, adopted by Res. MSC.556(108)) becomes mandatory, after a period of voluntary application that began on 1 January 2025. Among the main new features: new UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries (UN 3551, 3552), for vehicles powered by lithium-ion/lithium-metal/sodium-ion batteries (UN 3556-3558), for fire-suppressant devices (UN 3559), and for tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution (UN 3560), together with an update to the EmS Guide (emergency response procedures).

The next cycle, already adopted: MSC 111 (May 2026) adopted Amendment 43-26 (resolution MSC.587(111)), the next edition of the IMDG Code, with early voluntary application from 1 January 2027 and mandatory entry into force from 1 January 2028. Use the certified consolidated text and the competent authority or carrier implementation instructions before relying operationally on the new amendment.

Regulatory Reference

IMO — IMDG 2024, Amendment 42-24; MSC.556(108); IMO — MSC.587(111), Amendment 43-26. In 2026, 42-24 applies; the next cycle provides voluntary application in 2027 and mandatory application in 2028. At the 15 September 2026 check, the IMO index still marks MSC.587(111) as awaiting certification.

Distinguish the ship’s SOLAS II-2/19.4 dangerous-goods document from the Company’s ISM DOC. Check classes, authorized spaces and applicable exemptions; documentary exemptions for classes 6.2/7 and limited/excepted quantities do not remove other IMDG duties.

Scope of Application

Every ship carrying dangerous goods in packaged form, including containers, with responsibilities shared between the shipper (classification and documentation), the terminal (stowage) and the ship (acceptance, compliant stowage, segregation).

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Apply current 42-24 and relevant official corrections; identify the UN number, proper shipping name, primary and subsidiary hazards and special provisions.
  2. Check transport documentation and packing certificate where required, marks, labels, placards and consistency with the declared cargo.
  3. For segregation, consult the general table, column 16b, groups and specific provisions: class alone is insufficient.
  4. Check ship and space suitability, the dangerous-goods plan/manifest and consistent EmS information. Resolve discrepancies before acceptance.
  5. Prepare for the subsequent 43-26 without substituting it for the 2026 regime.

Practical Example

A sodium-ion battery shipment requires distinguishing standalone batteries from batteries contained in or packed with equipment and checking electrolyte and other entry conditions. Do not assign UN 3551 or 3552 from “sodium-ion” alone; complete classification and documentary checks before stowage.

What Typically Goes Wrong

The introduction of new battery technologies (lithium-ion, sodium-ion) in maritime transport has made repeated updates to the IMDG Code necessary over the last amendment cycles, precisely because of the growing prevalence of containers with electric vehicles and battery-powered devices which, if misclassified or mis-stowed, represent a significant fire risk on board.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) verify the consistency between the Dangerous Goods Declaration, classification, packaging, labelling and actual stowage on board, as well as the availability of emergency documentation (EmS Guide) updated to the IMDG edition applied.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

Educational checklist. This summary supports learning and preparation only. It does not replace the vessel’s approved procedures, manuals, statutory documents, company SMS, or applicable official requirements. Completing it demonstrates neither compliance nor readiness for an inspection: it shows that a list has been read, not that the ship is in order. Always verify the current documents carried on board.

FAQ

From when is Amendment 42-24 of the IMDG Code mandatory?
From 1 January 2026, after a period of voluntary application starting on 1 January 2025, during which the previous edition (Amendment 41-22) also remained valid.
What are the main new features of Amendment 42-24?
Among others: new UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries (UN 3551, 3552), for lithium-ion/lithium-metal/sodium-ion battery-powered vehicles (UN 3556-3558), for fire-suppressant devices (UN 3559), and for tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution (UN 3560), together with the update to the EmS Guide.
Who is responsible for the correct classification of dangerous goods?
Mainly the shipper, who completes the Dangerous Goods Declaration; however, the ship has the responsibility to verify the consistency of the documentation and to refuse loading in the event of obvious non-compliance or missing essential information.
What does the next Amendment 43-26 of the IMDG Code introduce?
It was adopted as resolution MSC.587(111) at MSC 111, with voluntary application from 1 January 2027 and mandatory application from 1 January 2028; use the certified consolidated text before operational implementation.

Related Topics

Cargo Securing Manual and Cargo LashingEnclosed Space EntryDangerous Goods Manifest and Notification to Port AuthoritiesCTU Code: Packing and Stowage of Cargo Transport Units

Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint 0a3a8216f6ba