Overview

The IMDG Code 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24) is an essential two-volume set designed to ensure safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods by sea. This comprehensive guide provides the latest regulations, incorporating all updates and amendments necessary for maritime professionals to handle hazardous materials effectively. Volume one covers the general provisions, including classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for dangerous goods. It also addresses the conditions under which these goods can be safely transported, ensuring adherence to international safety standards.

Volume two delves into detailed guidelines on stowage, segregation, and emergency procedures, providing a practical approach to managing risks associated with hazardous materials during sea transport. The code includes critical information for various stakeholders, including shipping companies, regulatory authorities, and safety officers, who must navigate the complex regulatory environment of maritime transport.

This edition reflects the latest industry practices and legal requirements, ensuring that all parties involved in the transport of dangerous goods are well-informed and prepared to meet their obligations. With its clear, user-friendly layout and thorough coverage of all relevant topics, the IMDG Code 2022 Edition is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in maritime safety, helping to protect lives, property, and the environment at sea.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) (IMDG Code Amendment 42-24) lays out the regulatory framework for all aspects of handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea transport.

The IMDG Code is divided into two volumes: Volume 1 containing sections on 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 and transport operations, and Volume 2 containing the Dangerous Goods List, special provisions and exceptions, Appendix A (list of generic and N.O.S. proper shipping names), Appendix B (glossary of terms) and the Index.

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Documents

Tutorials

Specifications

• Title: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24)

• Publisher: International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• IMO Number: IO200E

• Edition: 2024 (42-24)

• Publication Date: 2024

• Voluntary use: 1 January 2025

• Mandatory From: Jan 1, 2026

• Format: Hardcover, 2 volumes; also available digital/PDF

• Language: English (Spanish, French on request)

• ISBN: Vol 1 – 978-92-801-1783-1; Vol 2 – 978-92-801-1784-8

• Size: A4 (210 x 297 mm)

• Weight:  8.65 lbs per unit

• Binding: Hardcover

• Previous Edition: 2022 (Amendment 41-22)

• Supplement: 2024 Supplement (sold separately)

• Delivery: Ships in 1-2 business days from Florida; international available

• Format Options: Print-only, Digital-only (online access), or Print + Digital bundle

Regulatory

Regulatory Agency - IMO

Regulatory Standard - 42 Amendment

Effective Date - 2026-01-01 T: 00:00:00

Shipping & Delivery

• Weight: 8.65 lbs per unit

• Master Carton: 3 units, 25.96 lbs

• Origin: US

• Tariff Code: 4901100000

• UNSPSC: 55101516

• Cartons/Pallet: 60

• Units/Pallet: 180

Shipping Options:

• Standard: Ships in 1-2 days, delivers 3-7 days (FedEx/UPS, tracking by email)

• Expedited: 2-Day & Overnight options, Saturday delivery available

• International: Standard (7-21 days), Express (3-7 days major ports), all with tracking; customs/duties apply

Additional Information

What is the IMDG Code?

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the globally accepted regulatory framework for the safe transport of hazardous materials by sea. Published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and mandatory under the SOLAS Convention, the IMDG Code establishes uniform international standards that protect mariners, port workers, the environment, and property from the risks associated with dangerous goods.

What the IMDG Code Covers

The Code provides comprehensive guidance on every aspect of dangerous goods transport:

Classification: How to identify and assign dangerous goods to one of 9 hazard classes based on their primary danger

Packaging: Requirements for selecting, constructing, and testing suitable packagings that can safely contain hazardous materials during transport

Marking and Labeling: Specifications for labels, marks, and placards that communicate hazards to all personnel handling the cargo

Documentation: Procedures for preparing dangerous goods declarations, manifests, and container packing certificates

Stowage and Segregation: Rules for where dangerous goods can be placed on a vessel and how far apart incompatible substances must be kept

Handling and Transport Operations: Operational requirements during loading, carriage, and discharge

Emergency Response: Procedures for responding to incidents involving dangerous goods at sea

The 9 IMDG Code Classes

All dangerous goods are categorized into nine classes based on their hazard type:

Class 1 – Explosives

Substances and articles with explosion hazard (further divided into 6 divisions by explosion type)

Class 2 – Gases

Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids

Liquids with flash points at or below specified temperatures

Class 4 – Flammable Solids; Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion; Substances which Emit Flammable Gases in Contact with Water

Three divisions of solid materials with fire hazards

Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Materials that release oxygen and can cause or intensify fire

Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances

Substances that can cause death or serious injury if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

Class 7 – Radioactive Material

Materials containing radionuclides where concentration and activity exceed defined values

Class 8 – Corrosives

Substances that cause severe damage to living tissue or corrode metals and other materials

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

Materials presenting dangers not covered by other classes (e.g., lithium batteries, environmentally hazardous substances)

Within these classes, dangerous goods are further categorized by packing group (I, II, or III) indicating the degree of danger, with Packing Group I being the most dangerous.

What's New in the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24? (2024 Edition Key Updates)

Amendment 42-24 incorporates significant updates across multiple areas of dangerous goods regulation. Fleet operators, cargo planners, and dangerous goods professionals must understand these changes to maintain compliance.

1. Lithium Battery Transport Enhancements

Lithium batteries (UN 3090, 3091, 3480, 3481) continue to be a focus area due to their prevalence and fire risk. Amendment 42-24 includes:

Updated Packaging Instructions:

• P903 (lithium metal batteries) – Revised cushioning and separation requirements

• P909 (lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment) – Enhanced testing protocols

• P910 (lithium-ion batteries contained in equipment) – Modified marking specifications

Special Provision Changes:

• Clarifications on when batteries are considered "damaged" or "defective"

• New requirements for transporting prototype or pre-production batteries

• Enhanced documentation for recycled or waste lithium batteries

Practical Impact: Shippers and carriers must verify that lithium battery shipments comply with the updated packaging instructions. Non-compliance is one of the most common dangerous goods violations and can result in serious incidents.

2. Revised Packaging and IBC Specifications

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Updates:

• Modified design requirements for composite IBCs

• Updated inspection and testing intervals

• New provisions for IBC reuse and reconditioning

Portable Tank Changes:

• Enhanced structural integrity requirements for certain tank types

• Revised test pressure specifications

• Updated marking requirements for tank identification

Salvage Packaging:

• New regulations for packaging damaged or leaking dangerous goods packages

• Specifications for salvage packagings and salvage pressure receptacles

Practical Impact: Container operators and cargo packers must ensure IBCs and portable tanks meet the new specifications. Older units may require re-certification or retirement.

3. Dangerous Goods List (DGL) Amendments

The Dangerous Goods List in Chapter 3.2 includes numerous changes:

New UN Numbers: Several new entries for previously unlisted substances or new formulations

Reclassifications: Some existing entries have been moved to different classes or packing groups based on updated hazard data

Proper Shipping Name Changes: Modifications for clarity and consistency with UN Model Regulations

Special Provisions: New or amended special provisions (SPs) for specific entries affecting packaging, stowage, or documentation

Practical Impact: Verify that your dangerous goods declarations reflect the current DGL entries. Using outdated proper shipping names or classifications constitutes non-compliance.

4. Enhanced Stowage and Segregation Requirements

Segregation Table Revisions:

• Updated compatibility requirements for certain class combinations

• New segregation provisions for marine pollutants

• Clarifications on "away from" foodstuffs requirements

Stowage Category Changes:

• Specific UN numbers reassigned to different categories (A, B, C, D, E)

• This affects where on the vessel these goods can be stowed (on deck, under deck, holds)

Practical Impact: Cargo planners must review stowage plans against Amendment 42-24 requirements. Improper stowage or segregation is a critical safety deficiency.

5. Marine Pollutant Identification Updates

Expanded Marine Pollutant List:

• Additional substances identified as marine pollutants requiring the "P" mark

• Updated environmental hazard criteria

Marking Requirements:

• Clarified placement of marine pollutant marks on packages and freight containers

• New specifications for marine pollutant symbol dimensions and durability

Practical Impact: Environmental compliance is increasingly scrutinized. Ensure all marine pollutants are properly identified and marked to avoid penalties and environmental incidents.

6. Documentation and Declaration Improvements

Dangerous Goods Declaration:

• Enhanced requirements for electronic dangerous goods documentation

• Standardized data fields for digital interchange

Container Packing Certificate:

• Updated form with additional data elements

• Clarifications on responsibility for certificate accuracy

Multimodal Documentation:

• Alignment with other transport mode requirements for seamless multimodal shipments

Practical Impact: Digitalization of shipping documentation is advancing. Ensure your documentation systems can generate compliant IMDG Code declarations in both paper and electronic formats.

7. Emergency Response Procedures

EmS Guide Updates (found in IMDG Supplement):

• Revised emergency schedules for specific substances based on incident analysis

• Updated firefighting and spill response procedures

MFAG Updates (Medical First Aid Guide in Supplement):

• New treatment protocols for exposure to certain hazardous substances

• Enhanced first aid guidance for crew medical response

Practical Impact: These updates improve crew safety during incidents. Ensure your vessels have both the main IMDG Code and the 2024 Supplement with current EmS and MFAG guidance.

8. Limited Quantities and Excepted Quantities

Revised Thresholds:

• Some UN numbers have modified limited quantity thresholds affecting packaging and marking exemptions

Labeling Changes:

• Updated specifications for limited quantity marks

Practical Impact: Limited quantity shipments offer simplified requirements but must comply with the specific provisions. Verify your limited quantity procedures align with Amendment 42-24.

9. Quality Assurance and Competent Authority Approvals

Enhanced QA Requirements:

• More detailed quality assurance program requirements for certain packaging manufacturers

• Updated competent authority approval procedures for specific dangerous goods

Practical Impact: Packaging suppliers and dangerous goods with special approval requirements (e.g., organic peroxides, self-reactive substances) must verify that approvals remain valid under Amendment 42-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Amendment 42-24 become mandatory?

The mandatory implementation date is January 1, 2026. From that date forward, vessels must carry the 2024 Edition.

Can I continue using the 2022 Edition?

Only until December 31, 2025. After January 1, 2026, carrying the 2022 Edition constitutes non-compliance.

Do I need both volumes?

Yes, the complete IMDG Code consists of two volumes, both of which are required on vessels carrying dangerous goods.

Is the IMDG Supplement included?

No, the Supplement is a separate publication that must be ordered separately. It contains the EmS Guide, MFAG, and other essential materials also required under SOLAS.

Is this the official IMO publication?

Yes, American Nautical Services supplies authentic IMO publications. This is the genuine Amendment 42-24 as published by the IMO, not an unauthorized reproduction.

Can I order a digital version?

Yes, digital versions are available. Contact ANS for more information on digital formats.

How often is the IMDG Code updated?

The IMO publishes new editions every two years on a predictable cycle (2022, 2024, 2026, etc.).

What languages are available?

The English edition is in stock now. Spanish and French editions are also published by IMO and can be ordered through ANS.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, ANS ships worldwide.

Can ANS help with IMDG Code training?

Yes, we offer training resources and can recommend certified training providers. Contact us for IMDG Code training solutions.