What happens when two parties interpret same provision of IMDG Code differently?

Carriage of dangerous goods by sea is regulated in order to reasonably prevent injury to persons or damage to ships and their cargoes. Carriage of marine pollutants is primarily regulated to prevent harm to the marine environment.

The objective of the IMDG Code is to enhance the safe carriage of dangerous goods while facilitating the free unrestricted movement of such goods and prevent pollution to the environment.

IMDG Code has MANDATORY, RECOMMENDATORY & OPTIONAL provisions.

There are multiple parties involved in transport of dangerous goods.

• Shipper
• Consolidator
• Freight forwarder
• Packer
• CTU Operator
• Carrier
• Intermodal operator
• Ports

What happens when two parties interpret same provision of IMDG Code differently?

They can approach competent authority or a dangerous goods expert for correct/common interpretation.