Dangerous Goods Code Requirements for Shipping by Vessel

The 37th Amendment to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods
(IMDG) Code, the international guide for the latest rules and regulations defining the legal transport of dangerous goods by cargo and passenger ships, is now available from Labelmaster.

The two-volume resource includes detailed definitions, classifications and specifications for labeling, marking, documentation, training, packaging, and testing of dangerous goods transportation by vessel, and has special designations that identify substances harmful to the marine environment.

“IMDG Code, published by the International Maritime Organization, details the required regulations and instructions for anyone shipping dangerous goods by sea, and is available in multiple formats to meet one’s specific needs,” said Jeanne Zmich, vice president of regulatory research with Labelmaster, a leading provider of solutions for hazardous material shipping and transport compliance.

The new IMDG Code includes revisions for packing and stowage requirements for water reactive materials and clarifies the transport provisions for UN 3166 and UN 3171. Other regulatory updates include:

•    Excepting environmentally hazardous substances in quantities less than 5 kg or 5 l
•    Marking of small portable tanks
•    Harmonizing the symbols used on labels and placards
•    Transporting various batteries that are either damaged or intended for disposal or recycling
•    Reorganizing Column (16) for Stowage and Segregation in the Dangerous Goods List

Printed editions of IMDG Code are available in English and Spanish, and also in packages that include USB and web version digital formats. The “e-book” format via USB or web subscription offers a portable, highly searchable option to quickly reference a specific regulation, classification or instruction via laptop, tablet, desktop or smartphone.