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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

Managing dangerous goods in packaged form connects the consignment declaration, IMDG entry, documents and actual cargo with space suitability, stowage and segregation. Amendment 42-24 applies in 2026; preparation for 43-26 must distinguish its dates and the status of the official texts.

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.

For the same consignment, compare the UN number, proper shipping name, hazards and special provisions with the declaration, marks and cargo condition. This information feeds the plan or manifest and space checks: a hazard class alone does not determine all segregation. Resolve discrepancies before acceptance, rather than replacing the entry check with the product’s commercial name.

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)), with voluntary application from 1 January 2027 and mandatory application from 1 January 2028. The IMO 2026 edition is published; at the 15 October 2026 check, the resolutions index still marks MSC.587(111) as awaiting certification. These are different facts: for implementation, use the applicable edition and corrections with competent-authority and carrier instructions.

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 October 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.

For shore-side functions, IMDG 1.3 requires training commensurate with duties. Chapter 5.4 covers documentation and part 7 covers stowage and segregation. The SOLAS II-2/19.4 text reproduced in MCA MSN 1902 (M), 2023, §19.4 is a specific UK-edition cross-check within that notice’s scope; it is not a universally consolidated text current to 2026.

Scope of Application

Sea carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form within the Code’s scope, including container consignments. The shipper provides classification and transport information; those packing or loading the container provide the packing certificate where required. Terminal and ship cooperate according to their actual functions and operational arrangements, while meeting applicable requirements: this does not assign the terminal general responsibility for stowage on board. The ship checks acceptance, space suitability, stowage and segregation for the intended carriage.

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

A battery or vehicle cannot be classified from its commercial description alone. Electrolyte, configuration, entry conditions and special provisions can change the checks required. For example, the UN 3552 entry describes the possibility of damaged, defective or short-circuited batteries producing flames, heat or hazardous gases. An error can propagate from the declaration to packaging, emergency information and stowage: resolve it before acceptance rather than merely changing the name on the plan.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to avoid it
Using 41-22 as a current alternative in 2026Entries and instructions do not match the edition applicable to the shipmentCheck the applicable edition and official corrections; use 42-24 in 2026
Deriving segregation only from classEntry-specific or group provisions are overlookedConsult the general table, column 16b, groups and relevant provisions
Confusing the DG document with the ISM DOC or ignoring space limitationsCargo is assigned to a space without checking its suitability for those goodsCheck the relevant ship document, permitted classes and spaces, and actual conditions

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. The IMO 2026 edition is published; at the 15 October 2026 check, the resolutions index still marks the resolution as awaiting certification. Verify the applicable text, corrections and instructions 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

Certified substantive revision: 15 October 2026 · page fingerprint 35941d23d907