Special Provision 961 of IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 provides exemptions for vehicles from most of the IMDG Code requirements, except P912, SP388, and SP977 where applicable, if they meet specific safety conditions. Key conditions include no leaks from fuel systems or batteries, and tailored fuel, and short-circuit protection for batteries.
Special Provision 962 of IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 applies to vehicles that fail to satisfy the exemption criteria of SP961, classifying them under Class 9 (miscellaneous dangerous goods). Requirements include no visible leaks from batteries, engines, or fuel systems; fuel tanks limitation for flammable liquid fuels, secure closure of gas valves; and batteries protected against damage and activation. Marking, labelling, and placarding apply only if vehicles are enclosed in ways preventing easy identification, such as overpacks.
| Special Provision 961 | Special Provision 962 | |
| Applicability | Applies to vehicles that meet any of the specified conditions for exemption from most IMDG Code provisions (except P912, SP388, and SP977 where applicable). | Applies to vehicles that do not meet the conditions of SP961; these vehicles are assigned to Class 9. |
| General Leakage Requirement | No signs of leakage from battery, engine, fuel cell, compressed gas cylinder, accumulator, or fuel tank (applicable in 961.1; implied in others). | 962.1 Vehicles shall not show signs of leakage from batteries, engines, fuel cells, compressed gas cylinders or accumulators, or fuel tank(s) when applicable. |
| Stowage/Transport Conditions | 961.1: Stowed in vehicle/special category/ro-ro spaces, weather deck of ro-ro ship, or designated cargo spaces per SOLAS II-2 Reg. 20. – Does not apply to vehicles in CTUs in container cargo spaces of ro-ro ships. | For Cargo ships for passenger ships Category A: On or Under Deck |
| Flammable Liquid Fuel (Flashpoint ≥38°C) | 961.2: No leaks in fuel system; fuel tank(s) ≤450 L; batteries protected from short-circuit. | 962.2 Fuel tank(s) ≤1/4 full and total flammable liquid ≤250 L (unless approved by competent authority). |
| Flammable Liquid Fuel (Flashpoint <38°C) | 961.3: Fuel tank(s) empty (drained so vehicle cannot operate; no need to clean/purge lines, filters, injectors, or tank); batteries protected from short-circuit. | |
| Flammable Gas Fuel (Liquefied or Compressed) | 961.4: Fuel tank(s) empty with positive pressure ≤2 bar; fuel shut-off/isolation valve closed and secured; batteries protected from short-circuit. | 962.3 Fuel shut-off valve of the fuel tank(s) shall be securely closed. |
| Wet/Dry Electric Storage Battery or Sodium Battery | 961.5: Solely powered by a wet or dry electric storage battery or a sodium battery; battery protected from short-circuit. | 962.4 Installed batteries must meet SP388 or SP977 (as applicable) and be protected from damage, short-circuit, and accidental activation. |
| Sodium-Ion Battery | 961.6: Solely powered a sodium ion battery; battery short-circuited to eliminate electrical energy (easily identifiable, e.g., busbar between terminals). | |
| Marking, Labelling, Placarding, and Marine Pollutants | Not Required | Apply only to vehicles fully enclosed by packagings, crates, or other means preventing ready identification (e.g., overpacks). |
| Overall Classification and Compliance | Exempt from most IMDG provisions if conditions of special provision 961 are met. | Classified as Class 9; must meet listed requirements plus general IMDG rules for Class 9 goods. |
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