Mandatory Compliance With 2020 IMDG Code Starts June 1

Posted on 5/27/2022 by Roger Marks

Compliance with Amendment 40—20 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) is mandatory as of June 1, 2022.

The mandatory compliance date for the 2020 Edition was delayed six months due to COVID-19 and subsequent supply chain challenges. Typically, a new IMDG Code takes effect on January 1 of every even-numbered year. At the height of the coronavirus global public health emergency, the IMO extended the deadline for mandatory compliance until June 1, 2022. Voluntary compliance began on January 1, 2021.

For shippers who continued to use the 2018 IMDG Code to prepare dangerous goods vessel shipments this year, now is the time to make the switch.

IMDG Code Publication Schedule

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes a new edition of the IMDG Code near the end of every even-numbered year. During the following year, compliance with the new edition is voluntary; shippers may comply with the newest edition or the previous one. Mandatory compliance begins on January 1 of the next even-numbered year.

For example: The 2018 IMDG Code was published in 2018. Voluntary compliance began on January 1, 2019. Mandatory compliance started on January 1, 2020.

What's New in the 2020 IMDG Code?

Revisions for hazmat vessel shippers in the 2020 IMDG Code include:

Revisions to harmonize with the 21^st Ed. Model regulations
Updates to the Dangerous Goods List
Changes for lithium battery shippers
New naming standard for some marine pollutants
Updated and revised special provisions

Publication of a new amendment of the IMDG Code is expected late this year. Barring any further delays, compliance with that edition will be voluntary in 2023 and mandatory in 2024.

Amendment 40—20 of the IMDG Code is available now in Lion’s online bookstore.

Live 49 CFR and IMDG Code Training for Hazmat Shippers

Keep your hazmat shipping certifications up to date and help satisfy US DOT and IMO training mandate for hazmat employees at 49 CFR 172.704 and IMDG Code 1.3.1.

Join Lion for live, instructor-led Hazmat Ground Shipper and Hazmat Vessel Shipper webinars in 2022.

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)	June 13–14
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG)	June 8 and June 22
Recurrent Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)	June 27

Browse in-person and online training options for hazardous materials shippers at Lion.com/Hazmat.

Tags: dangerous goods, hazardous materials, hazmat vessel shipping, IMDG Code

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