IMDG Code 40-20 may be used voluntarily from 1st January 2020 before it becomes mandatory from 1st June 2022.  Below are some of the changes.

• Harmonized with GHS Revision 8 and 21st Edition of Model Regulations.
• Amendments for certain definitions, addition of definition of dosage rate.
• Amendments and addition to Indicative list of high consequence dangerous goods.
• Addition of Dangerous goods in equipment in use or intended for use during transport in chapters 1.1 & 5.5.
• Addition of new organic peroxide.
• Addition of new section for medical or clinical waste in chapter 2.6 & new radioactive materials in chapter 2.7, addition of classification of SCO-III.
• Addition of new section for packages and IBCs conforming to one or more than one successfully tested design type to bear more than one mark.
• New packing /large packing instruction 622 for medical waste.
• Damaged/defective lithium cells or batteries and lithium cells or batteries for disposal or recycling must mention in transport document.
• Portable tanks carrying refrigerated liquefied gas must mention end of holding time in transport document.
• New section in part 6 for Where a packaging conforms to one or more than one tested packaging design type, including one or more than one tested IBC or large packaging design type to bear more than one mark.
• New section for internal coatings or treatment for packaging when packaging materials are not compatible with the dangerous goods to be transported.
• Addition of various ISO standards for gas cylinders.
• Addition of provision for filling portable tanks which has missed the periodic inspection.
• New handling code.
• Expired tank provisions TP 35/37/38/39 deleted.
• Certain changes to stowage and segregation provisions.
• New addition for SP 274 for reflecting technical name for marine pollutants.
• Amendments to several special provisions and addition of new special provisions.