IMO Releases New IMDG 2012 Edition
The 2012 Edition of the International Maritime Organization’s IMDG Code is now available! The voluntary, or “phase-in,” compliance period for the new Amendment 36-12 begins on January 1, 2013, and compliance with the new rules is mandatory starting January 1, 2014.
The new amendment includes a number of significant changes that will affect hazmat vessel shipping operations over the next two years. An overview of the most critical changes appears below.
New Marking Requirements
The new IMDG Code includes two new marking requirements that hazmat vessel shippers should prepare for:
- In the new IMDG Code, the IMO sets a mandatory minimum font size for package markings destined for vessel shipment.
- Already required on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), “stack load marks” will be required to be displayed on all large packagings as well.
Reorganized Parts
The IMO reorganized a number of parts of the new IMDG Code, including a complete overhaul of Part 7. Part 7 comprises the rules for transport operations, such as segregating incompatible materials. While these rules apply most directly to transporters, shippers who package their own containers should take note of the changes to Part 7. Non-compliant packages are subject to fines as high as $75,000 per day, per violation by the U.S. DOT, and even a compliant shipping container can be subject to costly port delays if the materials within are packed in a way that makes it difficult to transport.
The IMO’s requirements for limited quantities of hazardous materials (Part 3.4) have also been reorganized, though the changes to the limited quantity rules for vessel shippers are minimal.
Also reorganized were the provisions for classifying marine pollutants. This section now conforms to the latest edition of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classifying and labeling chemicals.
New and Expanded Rules
Amendment 36-12 includes a number of new and expanded provisions for shipping certain materials. Among these are:
- Used medical devices
- Chemicals under pressure
- Containers full of dry ice (and other similar conditioning/cooling materials)
- Fireworks
- Charged capacitors
- Mercury in manufactured articles
- Krill meal
- Battery-powered vehicles
- Dangerous goods in machinery
- De minimis quantities of dangerous goods
Newly Authorized Packagings
The following package types are now acceptable for shipment by vessel: salvage cylinders; non-bulk metallic boxes; and, under certain circumstances, flexible and sheeted bulk packagings.
The IMO and the U.S. DOT require vessel shippers to complete training once every three years. Learn all the new changes and avoid costly port delays and fines with Lion’s multiple Vessel Shipper training options: Nationwide public workshops; live, instructor-led webinars; and convenient, 24/7 online courses make it easy to get the training you need!
How will these changes affect your vessel shipping operations? Share here.
IMDG Training
The IMO and the U.S. DOT require vessel shippers to complete training once every three years. Learn all the new changes and avoid costly port delays and fines with Lion’s multiple Vessel Shipper training options: nationwide public workshops; live, instructor-led webinars; and convenient, 24/7 online courses make it easy to get the training you need!
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