IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 – Mandatory from 1 January 2026

We wish to advise that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code Amendment 41-22 will be officially phased out and fully replaced by the mandatory Amendment 42-24, effective 1 January 2026.

The new amendment may be applied voluntarily from 1 January 2025 and will apply across all carriers and shipping lines globally.

Amendment 42-24 strengthens global DG compliance by improving classification, packaging, and safety transparency across all carriers. It is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure DG documentation meets the new standards from 1 January 2026.

This update introduces a number of important safety and documentation changes affecting the maritime transport of dangerous goods (DG), including battery-powered vehicles, lithium and sodium-ion batteries, carbon-based products, and other regulated materials.

Key Highlights of IMDG Code Amendment 42-24

1. Classification Updates

• New UN numbers for lithium-ion (UN 3556) and lithium-metal (UN 3557) battery-powered vehicles.

• Sodium-ion batteries now classified under Class 9.

• Revised special provisions for lithium and sodium-ion batteries, carbon/charcoal cargo, and desensitised explosives.

• Some previously exempt cargoes (e.g. activated carbon) now require full DG declaration and self-heating controls.

2. Packaging & Filling

• Introduction of the “degree of filling” concept for liquids and solids.

• New and revised packing instructions (e.g. P303, P912, LP200).

• Updated standards for recycled plastics, composite IBCs, and battery packaging.

• Carbon-based shipments now require temperature monitoring and weathering protocols.

3. Documentation

• Additional data fields for carbon and charcoal cargoes: production date, packing date, and temperature at packing.

• Certificates for exemptions/approvals must accompany the transport document.

• Shippers should review and update digital templates, EDI systems, and shipping documentation to align with the new code.

4. Marking, Labelling & Placarding

• New symbols and marks for sodium-ion batteries and battery-powered vehicles.

• Clarified marking for enclosed containers carrying battery-powered equipment.

• Marine pollutant exemptions now apply to ≤ 5 kg or 5 L quantities.

• Updated stowage instructions for marine pollutants.

5. Stowage & Segregation

• Stowage plans must list both primary and subsidiary hazards.

• New stowage code SW31 applies to certain water-reactive liquids.

• System-generated or template-based stowage plans must be updated.

6. Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms (GMOs)

• Pharmaceuticals containing GMOs, including clinical trial materials, are now exempt if packaged for direct administration.

Implementation Timeline

• Voluntary compliance: 1 January 2025

• Mandatory compliance: 1 January 2026

Shipper Requirements

To ensure smooth shipping and compliance under Amendment 42-24:

1. Maritime Transport Certification Report (SEA CERT) – update to the 2026 version.

2. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) – Section 14 (“Transport Information”) must reference IMDG Code Amendment 42-24.

   • MSDS documents still referencing Amendment 41-22 after 1 January 2026 will be invalid, resulting in the inability to ship goods.

As the year-end period is typically busy for documentation updates, we strongly recommend completing verification and document updates well before January 2026 to avoid disruption to DG approvals or bookings.

Should you have any questions or require guidance on the changes, please contact your KLN Customer Service