Direct answer
IMDG Code is the International Maritime Code for Packing Dangerous Goods (IMDG) developed by IMO, which covers matters such as classification, packaging, labelling, labelling, declaration, container loading, stowage and isolation. The 42-24 amendments contained in the 2024 edition have been mandatory since 1 January 2026; The actual shipment must also be checked against the requirements of the competent authority, the port, the shipping company and the destination country.
Core elements of maritime operations
1. Classification
Confirm UN numbers, correct transport names, hazard categories, packing classes, state of marine pollutants and special provisions. Section 14 of the MSDS is an important starting point, but should not be a substitute for a full classification review.
2. Packaging and marking
Selection of internal and external packagings, IBCs or large packagings in accordance with specific packing requirements, and fulfilment of UN numbers, correct shipping names, hazard labels and marine pollutant marking requirements.
3. Documents and declarations
Preparation of dangerous goods transport documents, certificates of containerization and information required by the port or ship company. The information on classification, quantity and packaging in the document must be physically consistent.
4. Boxing and strengthening
Check the package's state, tide and leakage risk, with a reasonable distribution of weight, and complete solidification to avoid movement, collision or reversal in transport.
5. Scramble and isolation
Uncompatible goods may need to be “detached” from “separate” or more stringent arrangements. Segregation should be judged on the basis of specific UN entries, isolation tables and special provisions, and not on the basis of the main category alone.
Sea and air transport are different
- Sea transport is generally more appropriate for dangerous goods in bulk or of higher weight;
- Long deadlines, which are more sensitive to the durability of packaging, damp resistance, preservation and internal temperature rise in containers;
- Attention needs to be paid to marine pollutants, port declarations and stowage segregation;
- Shipping companies can still put in place acceptance policies that go beyond the basic requirements of the IMDG.
FAQ
Is it possible to book dangerous class with MSDS?
Not necessarily. Classification, packaging, quantity, box type, route and declaration information are usually provided; The shipping company may require additional identification, photographs or statements.
Can dangerous goods be LCL or compromised?
Some of the goods may be, but depending on UN entry, quantity, port of destination, LCL or consolated shipage, incompatible cargo segregation and ship company policy.
Is the sea transport of lithium batteries necessarily simpler than air transport?
Maritime transport is generally more flexible in terms of the quantity and volume of individual items, but UN38.3, packaging, marking, declaration of dangerous goods and ship company restrictions still need to be met and cannot be considered as ordinary goods.
Official References
- IMO IMDG Code, 2024 Edition, Amendment 42-24
- IMO Resolution MSC.556(108)
- UN Model Regulations, Rev.24
This paper provides only general processes. The time, space, route and company acceptance policy at the port is a dynamic condition and should be reviewed before the booking.