The IMDG Code 2026 Edition is the International Maritime Organization's International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, incorporating Amendment 43-26. It sets the rules for classifying, packing, marking, documenting, stowing and segregating dangerous goods and marine pollutants carried by sea. It comes as a two-volume set.

Edition at a glance

What's in each volume

• Volume 1: general provisions, definitions and training; classification; packing and tank provisions; consignment procedures; construction and testing of packagings, IBCs, large packagings, portable tanks, MEGCs and road tank vehicles; transport operations
• Volume 2: the Dangerous Goods List, special provisions and exceptions, Appendix A (generic and N.O.S. proper shipping names), Appendix B (glossary of terms) and the index

Amendment 43-26 includes

• New UN entries for lithium metal and sodium-ion batteries installed in cargo transport units, and a new special provision for hybrid lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries
• Clearer criteria for carrying vehicles, including electric vehicles, and a new special provision (SP 980) on vehicle safety assessment
• Revised special provisions SP 961 and SP 962
• Updated segregation distances for radioactive material
• Consequential amendments to the EmS Guide

Who uses it

Shippers, packers and freight forwarders, carriers and ships' officers, port authorities and maritime administrations. The IMDG Code is mandatory under SOLAS chapter VII and gives effect to MARPOL Annex III.