---
title: IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 – Mandatory from 1 January 2026
description: New IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 becomes mandatory on 1 January 2026, introducing key changes in classification, packaging, and documentation for dangerous goods shipping. Prepare now to ensure compliance.
---

[Customer Advisory](https://info.oceania.kln.com/customer-advisory)

# [IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 – Mandatory from 1 January 2026](https://info.oceania.kln.com/customer-advisory/imdg-code-amendment-42-24-mandatory-from-1-january-2026)

 Written by [KLN Oceania](https://info.oceania.kln.com/customer-advisory/author/kln-oceania) | Nov 5, 2025 5:54:15 AM

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**

[View full post](https://info.oceania.kln.com/customer-advisory/imdg-code-amendment-42-24-mandatory-from-1-january-2026)

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