IMDG Code

Status of the IMDG Code for 2021

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. Just one of its responsibilities is the development of the International Maritime…

Q&A: What is the proper shipping description for a limited quantity of HazMat by vessel?

Q&A: What is the proper shipping description for a limited quantity of HazMat by vessel?

Question (May 02, 2018): I have had no official training, but I have been brokering Hazardous shipment(s) for approx 25 years. I wanted to make sure that the BOL I prepared is correct. UN 3208 Metallic Substance, Water-Reactive NOS (Magnesium,…

Q&A: Must I display the Class 9 Miscellaneous Placard on a cargo transport unit by vessel?

Q&A: Must I display the Class 9 Miscellaneous Placard on a cargo transport unit by vessel?

Question received March 26, 2018: Mr Stoehr, I was doing some research when I came across your website and had a question on the requirement for a Class 9 placard on an international vessel shipment via CTU (Cargo Transport Unit,…

General Provisions for Cargo Transport Units

General Provisions for Cargo Transport Units

A person who offers a hazardous material (HazMat) for transport to, from, or through the U.S. must comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA).  If…

Packing of Cargo Transport Units for Transport by Vessel per the IMDG Code

Packing of Cargo Transport Units for Transport by Vessel per the IMDG Code

A person who offers a hazardous material (HazMat) for transport to, from, or through the U.S. must comply with the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA).  If…

Summary of Significant Changes to the 2016 Edition of the IMDG Code

Summary of Significant Changes to the 2016 Edition of the IMDG Code

The international transportation of a dangerous good by vessel – over water – is subject to the dangerous goods code of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). What is the IMO? What is the IMDG Code? The IMDG Code is published…

Significant Changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code for 2016

Significant Changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code for 2016

December 31, 2015 is the end of the transition year for the 2012 Edition (36-12 Amendment) of the IMDG Code of the International Maritime Organization.  The code is updated every two years but is optional for its first and last…

The IMDG Code Amendment Cycle – 2010 thru 2019

The IMDG Code Amendment Cycle – 2010 thru 2019

If you ship HazMat/Dangerous Goods by vessel in international waters, then you must comply with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).  But to comply you must make certain that…

General Requirements for the Shipping Paper When Transporting Dangerous Goods by Vessel

Chapter 5.4 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (2012 Edition) indicates the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the description of a dangerous good on a shipping paper (referred to in the IMDG Code as a dangerous goods…

Changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code – 2014 Edition

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes a new edition of its International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) every two years, with the current edition (2012, incorporating amendment 36-12) published in the Fall of 2012.  Each new edition of the…