IMDG Code 39^th amendment published in 2018 may be used by shippers, ports and carriers from 1^st January 2019 and will become mandatory from 1^st January 2020.

Highlights of changes

Term subsidiary risk(s) is replaced with subsidiary hazard(s)

Samples of energetic materials for testing purposes is added to transport of samples

New provision for Classification of articles as articles containing dangerous goods is added to transport of waste

Package size of viscous flammable liquid is increased from 30 litre to 450 litre

Addition to self-reactive substances

Addition to organic peroxides

Entire chapter 2.8, Corrosive substances, is replaced

New entry for LITHIUM BATTERIES INSTALLED IN CARGO TRANSPORT UNIT

New provisions for primary lithium metal cells and rechargeable lithium ion cells, that are not designed to be externally charged

In dangerous goods list column 16b segregation group code is added

14 new UN Numbers added to dangerous goods list from UN 3535 to 3548

Amendments to various special provisions

7 new special provisions added

Changes to various packing instructions

Three new packing instructions

Three new large packing instructions

IMO type 9 tank added in transitional provision

Added provision for transporting tank beyond the inspection due for lead lining

GHS pictograms not required by IMDG Code must only appear in complete GHS label not independently

Orientation marks may be required for machinery or apparatus containing liquid dangerous goods

New provisions for labels for articles containing dangerous goods

Replaced the text of placarding provisions

Replaced the text of documentation required aboard the ship

Various changes to construction and testing of packages

Added new stowage provisions for Transport to or from offshore oil platforms, mobile offshore drilling units and other offshore installations

Added new stowage provision for stabilized dangerous goods

New stowage code SW30 added

Segregation groups modified by adding segregation group codes SGG1 to SGG18

Added new exemption table for segregation between organic peroxides

Entire provision for Cargo transport units under temperature control is replaced

Changes to contact information of competent authorities of Azerbaijan, Chile and Ecuador

We will be rolling out series of articles explaining in depth on prominent changes to IMDG Code 39^th amendment through all chapters for better understanding and compliance to make shipping safer. Subscribe to us, stay tuned with us.