IMDG CODE
Spring 2023
Amendment 41-22 to the IMDG Code
The IMDG Code provides an international standard for the safe handling and transport of dangerous goods. As part of the IMO’s regular review of the IMDG Code for new substances or updates to existing substances, Amendment 41-22 provides numerous amendments to the Code. This set of amendments is intended to align with the amendments to the United Nations (U N ) Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, 21st revised edition.
In addition to the regular review of new and existing substances, these amendments (41-22) include but are not limited to:
• The new definition for pressure receptacle shell in 1.2.1 of the IMDG Code
• Guidance on marking refillable U N pressure receptacles
• The new Chapter 6.10: Provisions for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks with shells made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials
This set of amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2024, but may be applied on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2023.
Effective Date: 1 January 2024
Sources: MSC.501(105)
Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units
As a result of amendments made to the IMDG Code, several revisions were made to the Revised Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships Applicable to the Fumigation of Cargo Transport Units. Contents of a cargo transport unit may not be subject to the provisions of the IMDG Code. However, fumigating a cargo transport unit brings it into the scope of the IMDG Code, including the communication of hazards by warning marks on the cargo transport unit and related safety documentation instructions for disposal of any residual fumigant. Revisions to this guidance include:
• A formal definition of pest contamination
• Changes to the required fumigation warning marking
• Explicit guidance on fumigants and why they must not be applied to the contents of a cargo transport unit once it has been loaded on the ship
Effective Date: 28 April 2022
Source: MSC.1/Circular.1361/Revision.1
Inspection Programs for Cargo Transport Units
As a result of amendments made to the IMDG Code, several revisions were made to the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection Programs for Cargo Transport Units.
The aim of these Guidelines is to help implement a uniform and safe inspection program for the inspection of cargo transport units (CTUs) carrying goods for international transport by sea. Additionally, revisions were made to correlate Amendment 41-22 to the IMDG Code and to incorporate issues of pest contamination and fumigation into the CTU inspection guidelines.
Effective Date: 20 May 2022
Source: MSC.1/Circular.1649
Fall 2022
Chapter 7.1: Unified Interpretation
A unified interpretation of the IMDG Code has been adopted to provide guidance about the placement of cargo in relation to life-saving appliances. Under the general provisions for stowage, paragraph 7.1.4.4.2 of the code requires that goods of class 1 except for division 1.4 shall be stowed not less than a horizontal distance of 12 meters from life-saving appliances.
The unified interpretation clarifies that “life-saving appliances” are intended to mean only the main survival craft and rescue boats. The requirement is not intended to represent other lifesaving appliances, such as lifebuoys, life jackets, or remotely located life rafts.
Effective Date: 7 December 2020
Source: MSC.1/Circular 1626
Amendment 40-20
The IMDG Code provides an international standard for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods. As part of the IMO’s regular review of the IMDG Code for new substances or updates to existing substances, Amendment 40-20 provides a complete replacement of the text of the code.
Updates to classification, segregation, packing and marking have been made for various dangerous goods. Several footnotes within the text were updated to ensure that any mandatory provisions found in the footnotes are moved to the main body of the code.
Effective Date: 1 June 2022
Source: MSC.477(102)
