IMDG Code Update: IMO Releases Corrigenda for 2018 Edition

The 2018 IMDG Code (inc. Amendment 39-18) is in force as of January 1, 2020.  

In December 2019, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) released a corrigenda to the 2018 edition to correct errors in Volumes 1 and 2 of the text. 

In some cases, changing even a single word in a regulation can significantly impact a shipper or carrier’s compliance responsibilities. Vessel shippers should review the Corrigenda to identify any revisions or changes that impact the specific materials, packagings, and labels they use to ship dangerous goods.

Some of the updates in IMO's Corrigenda include:

• Revisions to Class 9 assignments related to lithium batteries
• Corrections to the packing and tank provisions in Chapter 4
• Provisions for Class 2, 4, and 7 specimen labels in Chapter 5.2
• Updates consensus standards incorporated by reference
• Correcting some references to other sections of the IMDG Code
• Updating the segregation groups in Chapter 3.1 for some materials
• Amendments to the Dangerous Goods List (Chapter 3.2)

For a full list of IMDG corrections, revisions, and updates, you can download the official Corrigenda on IMO’s website.

IMO publishes the IMDG Code every two years, and voluntary compliance begins on January 1 following publication of the new edition. Mandatory compliance begins in the next even-numbered year. In other words, full compliance with the 2018 IMDG Code is voluntary as of January 1, 2019 and mandatory as of January 1, 2020.

In December, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) also made revisions and corrections to it's Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), releasing its first Addendum to the new edition (in effect as of January 1, 2020). 

Need a copy of the 2018 IMDG Code or the 2020 IATA DGR? Browse the Lion bookstore for regulatory manuals and compliance resources for hazmat ground, air, and vessel shippers.

IMDG Vessel Shipper Certification Training

The Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification Workshops covers the latest 49 CFR, IATA/ICAO, and IMDG Code requirements for dangerous goods ground, air, and vessel shippers.

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These courses are designed to help satisfy hazmat training mandates for each mode of transport—49 CFR 172.704, IATA DGR 1.5, and IMDG Code 1.3.1.

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Tags: dangerous goods, hazmat shipping, IMDG, IMDG Code, new rules