Sodium-ion batteries are a new class of rechargeable energy storage technology gaining rapid commercial adoption in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems.

IMDG Code Amendment 42-24, mandatory from 1st January 2026, introduces sodium-ion batteries as a separate regulated category with dedicated UN numbers and classification provisions under section 2.9.5.

Entries in IMDG Code for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Classification and Requirements

Section 2.9.5 of IMDG Code 42-24 governs sodium-ion batteries. It cross-references section 2.9.4 (lithium batteries) extensively for design safety, quality management, and test summary provisions.

Sodium-ion batteries must:

• Be designed and manufactured to meet the safety standards referenced in 2.9.5
• Manufacturers and subsequent distributors of cells or batteries must make available the test summary

Does Special Provision 188 Apply?

Yes. Special Provision 188 of IMDG Code 42-24 was amended to include sodium-ion cells and batteries. Sodium-ion cells and batteries meeting all conditions of SP 188 are not subject to other provisions of IMDG Code.
The watt-hour thresholds for SP 188 exemption are: sodium-ion cell the watt-hour rating is not more than 20 Wh & sodium-ion battery the watt-hour rating is not more than 100 Wh.

What Shippers Must Ensure

Shippers offering sodium-ion batteries for sea transport must:

• Verify SP 188 eligibility before declaring the shipment as not fully regulated under class 9
• Ensure full compliance when SP 188 does not apply & Correctly identify the shipment as UN 3551 or UN 3552
• Ensure test summaries are available per section 2.9.5 of IMDG Code 42-24

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