IMDG Code 2024 Edition: Key Updates & Compliance Guide for Dangerous Goods Shipping

 

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code 2024 Edition, published by IMO, became mandatory on January 1, 2024. As the global standard for dangerous goods transport by sea, this latest version introduces significant changes across all 9 hazard classes. This professional guide analyzes the most impactful modifications across bulk cargo and packaged dangerous goods shipments.

1. IMSBC Code Amendments (07-23)

1.1 New Bulk Cargo Entries

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) (D)

  • New entry for by-product fines (≥2% moisture)

  • Dual classification: Group A (liquefaction risk) & Group B (hydrogen generation)

  • Requires:

    • Continuous temperature/H₂ monitoring

    • Voyage planning to ensure ventilation capability

    • Onboard cargo technician for entire voyage

Pelletized Electric Arc Furnace Dust

  • Derived from scrap steel recycling

  • Contains 20-45% zinc, ≤3% lead

  • Classified as Group A & B

  • Special handling required for:

    • Toxic metal oxide fumes during fires

    • Alkaline reactions with water

Revised Fish Meal Entry

  • Now “Fish Meal (Fish Scrap), Stabilized with Antioxidant”

  • Aligns with IMDG Special Provision 308

  • Permits tocopherol as alternative to ethoxyquin

Celestine Concentrate

  • New entry in Appendix 1 “Concentrates” table

  • Submitted by Spain for this strontium mineral

2. IMDG Code Amendments (42-24)

2.1 New UN Numbers & Classifications

UN NumberDescriptionClass
UN3551Organic electrolyte sodium-ion batteries9
UN3552Sodium-ion batteries in equipment9
UN3553Disilane2.1
UN3554Gallium in manufactured articles8
UN3556Lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles9
UN3557Lithium-metal battery-powered vehicles9
UN3558Sodium-ion battery-powered vehicles9
UN3559Fire extinguisher dispersion devices9
UN3560Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (≥25%)6.1

2.2 Marine Pollutants Clarification

  • Revised 2.10.2.7 for clearer interpretation

  • New Special Provision 375

  • Maintains existing 5L/5kg limits for small packaging

2.3 Carbon Product Revisions

  • UN1361 Carbon, animal/vegetable origin:

    • Removed SP925/SP223

    • New SP978 with strict requirements:

      • Minimum weathering period

      • 1.5m stowage height limit

      • Maximum product temperature at packing

  • UN1362 Activated carbon:

    • Removed SP925/SP223

    • New SP979 exemptions for activated types

3. Operational Implementation

3.1 Documentation Changes

  • Stowage plans must now:

    • Identify all DG/MP positions

    • Show primary/secondary hazards

  • New certificate requirements for exempted materials

3.2 Devices in Transport

  • Revised 5.5.4 covers:

    • Data loggers

    • Tracking sensors

    • Monitoring equipment

  • Clarifies application of:

    • Marking requirements

    • Testing standards

    • Documentation rules

4. Compliance Action Plan

  1. Immediate Actions:

    • Update SDS libraries with new UN numbers

    • Review all carbon product shipments

    • Train staff on marine pollutant limits

  2. By Q3 2024:

    • Implement new bulk cargo procedures

    • Upgrade cargo monitoring systems

    • Validate e-DGD systems for new UN numbers

  3. Ongoing:

    • Monitor IMO GISIS for clarifications

    • Conduct quarterly compliance audits

    • Maintain amendment tracking log

🔍 Verify SDS Compliance: ChemicalBook Database (external)

✉ Expert Guidance: Contact Our DG Specialists (internal)

5. Technical Resources

Recommended Tools:

  • IMO’s GISIS amendment tracker

  • ClassNK Rule Loader updates

  • DNV Hazardous Materials Database

Official Documents:

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