Latest IMDG Code Amendments: What You Need To Know The Best In 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is a crucial international regulation governing the safe transportation of dangerous goods by sea. To keep pace with evolving technologies, new substances, and emerging safety concerns, the IMDG Code Amendments are regularly introduced. This blog post delves into the latest amendments, specifically focusing on Amendment 42-24, and highlights what industry stakeholders need to know to ensure compliance and maintain safety in maritime transport.

IMDG 42-24: Key Changes at a Glance

What’s New in 42-24	Why It Matters
60+ DGL revisions, 11 new UN Numbers	Stay current on classification
Major battery tech (sodium-/lithium-ion) rules	For EVs, hybrid & equipment cargo
50+ packing instruction changes	Proper packaging = safer voyage
New guidelines for carbon, organic peroxides	No more blanket exemptions
Labeling for toxic/smoke hazards	Prevents exposure incidents
Training compliance now emphasized	Staff must know the new rules
Optional in 2025, Mandatory in 2026+	Use the transition to adapt

Amendment 40-22: Laying the Groundwork

While the primary focus of this discussion is on the more recent amendments, it’s important to acknowledge the foundational changes introduced by Amendment 40-22, which came into effect on January 1, 2024. This amendment brought several significant revisions aimed at enhancing safety and standardizing practices [1].

Key aspects of Amendment 40-22 included:

•New Dangerous Goods List Entries: To accommodate emerging substances and products, new entries were added to the Dangerous Goods List. Notably, this included specific classifications for medical waste: UN 3549 (MEDICAL WASTE, CATEGORY B, AFFECTING HUMANS) and UN 3550 (MEDICAL WASTE, CATEGORY B, AFFECTING ANIMALS ONLY). These additions underscore the IMO’s commitment to addressing the safe transport of biological hazards.

•Revised Packing Instructions: Existing packing instructions were updated to improve safety and consistency. For instance, revisions were made to P002 and LP02 for polymerizing substances, and PP87 was introduced specifically for ADSORBED GASES. These updates reflect a continuous effort to refine the safe handling and containment of various dangerous goods.

•Updated Segregation Requirements: Changes were implemented in segregation tables to ensure compatibility and prevent hazardous reactions during transport. New segregation requirements were introduced for specific dangerous goods, aligning with updated hazard classifications and reinforcing the importance of proper stowage to mitigate risks.

These changes from Amendment 40-22 set the stage for subsequent, more extensive revisions, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the IMDG Code in adapting to new challenges and scientific advancements.

Amendment 42-24: A Comprehensive Overhaul

The most recent and impactful amendment, Amendment 42-24, has been introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to further enhance safety, streamline regulations, and align with global transport standards. This amendment is particularly significant due to its comprehensive nature, affecting shippers, freight forwarders, and shipping lines involved in the maritime transport of dangerous goods [2].

Implementation Timeline

Amendment 42-24 is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and will remain valid until December 31, 2027. A crucial aspect of its implementation is the transitional year of 2025, during which shippers have the option to comply with either the previous Amendment 41-22 or the new Amendment 42-24. However, starting from 2026, Amendment 42-24 will become mandatory for all shipments. This transition period is vital for businesses to adapt their processes and ensure full compliance.

Scope of Changes

Amendment 42-24 introduces over 300 updates, encompassing clarifications, new sections, and revisions to existing rules. The breadth of these changes reflects the evolving landscape of dangerous goods transport and aims to ensure safer handling practices across the global supply chain. Key areas of modification include:

•Dangerous Goods List (DGL) Revisions: More than 60 revisions have been made to the DGL, impacting how various hazardous materials are classified and handled.

•New UN Numbers: Eleven new UN Numbers have been introduced to cover emerging hazardous materials. This is a critical update, addressing the rapid development of new technologies and substances. Notable additions include classifications for sodium-ion batteries and lithium-powered vehicles, reflecting the increasing prevalence of these items in global trade.

•Packing Instruction Updates: Over 50 updates have been made to packing instructions, providing more precise guidance on the safe containment of dangerous goods.

•Special Provisions Modifications: More than 30 modifications have been made to special provisions, including 14 additions and one deletion. These adjustments refine specific requirements for certain substances and situations.

Detailed Updates and Emerging Trends

Several notable updates within Amendment 42-24 highlight key trends in dangerous goods transport:

•Classification Changes: The amendment introduces new entries for organic peroxides and provides clearer exemptions for marine pollutants. These changes will directly influence the classification and transport of specific hazardous materials, ensuring more accurate risk assessment.

•Carbon Products: New guidelines have been established for carbon products, such as carbon blacks and charcoal. These products can no longer be exempt from the IMDG Code and will now require specific weathering, transport, and packing instructions. This change addresses concerns related to the self-heating properties and potential hazards of these materials.

•New Labeling Requirements: For smoke-producing substances, new labeling requirements have been introduced to highlight potential corrosive or toxic inhalation hazards. This emphasizes the importance of clear and comprehensive labeling to alert handlers to specific risks.

•Focus on Emerging Technologies (Battery Technology): The introduction of new UN Numbers for substances like sodium-ion batteries and lithium/sodium battery-powered vehicles (e.g., UN 3556 for lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles) underscores the IMO’s proactive approach to addressing the growing use of these materials. This reflects a significant trend towards regulating the safe transport of advanced battery technologies, which are becoming increasingly common in electric vehicles and other devices.

•Cybersecurity (Anticipated): While Amendment 42-24 primarily focuses on physical aspects of dangerous goods, the previous Amendment 41-24 (which was anticipated to enter into force on January 1, 2026, according to the initial reference) mentioned potential new provisions related to cybersecurity in the transport of dangerous goods. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of digital security in the supply chain, a trend that is likely to be addressed in future amendments or related regulations.

Key Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders

The introduction of Amendment 42-24 will have a direct impact on shipping operations involving dangerous goods. Businesses need to be acutely aware of the following key points to ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance:

•Leverage the Transition Period: The year 2025 offers a crucial window for companies to adapt. While Amendment 42-24 is optional during this period, it becomes mandatory from 2026 onwards. Proactive review and updating of policies, procedures, and training programs during this time are essential to avoid disruptions.

•Thorough Review of Operations: Shippers must meticulously review how these changes will affect their classification, documentation, packing, and transport operations. This includes understanding the nuances of new UN numbers, revised packing instructions, and updated segregation requirements. Failure to comply with the new regulations could lead to significant consequences, including shipment delays, hefty fines, and other operational disruptions.

•Training and Compliance Support: To effectively navigate the complexities of the updated IMDG Code, businesses should invest in comprehensive training programs for their staff. Various resources and tools are available to help organizations stay compliant, ensuring that personnel are well-versed in the new regulations and equipped to handle dangerous goods safely and efficiently. Consulting with accredited training providers and utilizing compliance software can significantly streamline this process.

Conclusion

Amendment 42-24 represents a significant stride forward in ensuring the safety and efficiency of dangerous goods transport by sea. By addressing emerging risks, incorporating new technologies, and updating key provisions, the IMO aims to enhance global shipping practices. Businesses involved in maritime transport must act promptly to review the new changes, update their compliance protocols, and prepare their operations for the mandatory adoption of Amendment 42-24 in 2026. Staying informed on the latest maritime regulations and ensuring operational compliance are paramount to avoiding potential disruptions and maintaining a safe and secure global supply chain.