Which IMDG Code Edition to Follow in 2024?

Starting January 1, 2024, shippers of hazardous materials/dangerous goods by vessel must prepare all shipments in compliance with the 2022 IMDG Code (Amendment 41-22). 

Hazmat/dangerous goods vessel shippers should review the 2022 amendment of the IMDG Code for changes that may impact their operations. Earlier this year, Lion highlighted key revisions taking effect on January 1, 2024 in this blog.

Important additions and changes include:  

• Revised weight limits in some commonly used packing instructions.
• Updates to instructions for IBCs and portable tanks.
• Change to classification and name for UN 1169 and UN 1197 (i.e., certain liquid extracts).
• Dozens of revisions and corrections to the "Dangerous Goods List" in IMDG 3.2.
• New Special Provisions for some nitrogen/oxygen mixtures, mixtures of butylenes, more. 
• Addition of electrical resistance in ohms to the units of measure table in IMDG 1.2.2.2. 
• Some shifting of requirements within Part 5, Consignment Procedures. 

Amendments to the IMDG Code in effect for 2024 were adopted in Resolution MSC.501(105) in April 2022.  

The mandatory compliance date of January 1, 2024, is a return to the “regular schedule” for IMDG Code stakeholders after a global pandemic delayed publication and distribution of a new Code in 2020. The slow-down led IMO to push back the mandatory compliance date for the 2020 IMDG Code until June 1, 2022.

Typically, compliance with the latest amendment becomes mandatory on January 1 of every even-numbered year.

2022 IMDG Code: Fast Facts 

The IMO releases a new amendment of the IMDG Code for every even-numbered year. Compliance with each new amendment becomes mandatory on January 1 of the following even-numbered year.

Odd-numbered years are “transition years,” during which shippers may follow the previous amendment of the Code or the newer amendment. 

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Consequences of failing to properly identify, package, label, and declare dangerous goods for transportation by cargo ship/vessel include (but are not limited to): 

• Releases, fires, and other emergency incidents at sea.
• Stopped shipments and fees to store stalled cargo.  
• Inefficient, expensive re-packaging and/or re-labeling efforts.
• Failure to hit delivery deadlines for clients or customers. 
• Civil or criminal penalties from US DOT, USCG, & others.

As of January 1, 2024, noncompliance with the latest IMDG Code may also result in cargo being rejected at the port or by the destination country.




 

Tags: dangerous goods, hazmat shipping, IMDG Code