The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, which was first published in 1965, amplifies the requirements of both Conventions and has become the standard guide to all aspects of handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea transport.

What’s in it
The IMDG Code lays down basic principles: detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials and articles, and a number of recommendations for good operational practice, including advice on terminology, packing, labelling, stowage, segregation and handling, and emergency response action.

Who uses it
Although the information in the Code is directed primarily at the mariner, its provisions may affect a range of industries and services: manufacturers, packers, shippers, feeder services such as road and rail, and port authorities will find reliable advice on terminology, packing, labelling, classification, stowage, segregation, and emergency response action.

Amendment 40-20 of the Code is mandatory as from 1 January 2022 but may be applied by Administrations in whole or in part on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2021.

The two-volume Code is divided into seven parts:

Volume 1 (parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Code) contains sections on:

* general provisions, definitions and training
* classification
* packing and tank provisions
* consignment procedures
* construction and testing of packagings, IBCs, large packagings, portable tanks, MEGCs and road tank vehicles
* transport operations

Volume 2 contains part 3 (Dangerous Goods List, special provisions and exceptions), appendices A and B (generic and N.O.S. Proper Shipping Names, and glossary of terms) and an index.