1. What is the IMDG Code and why is it important?
The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) is the global regulation governing the transport of dangerous goods by sea. It establishes requirements for classification, packaging, marking, labeling, documentation, stowage, and segregation to ensure safety and environmental protection.
2. Who must comply with the IMDG Code?
Anyone involved in preparing, packing, documenting, handling, loading, transporting, or accepting dangerous goods for sea transport must comply with the IMDG Code.
3. Is IMDG training mandatory?
Yes. Personnel involved in the transport of dangerous goods by sea must receive appropriate training according to their job responsibilities.
4. How often does the IMDG Code change?
The IMDG Code is updated every two years through amendments published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
5. What are the nine IMDG hazard classes?
The IMDG Code classifies dangerous goods into nine hazard classes, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances, corrosives, and miscellaneous dangerous goods.
6. How do I find the correct UN number?
The UN number can be found in the Dangerous Goods List of the IMDG Code after determining the correct classification and Proper Shipping Name of the substance or article.
7. What is a Proper Shipping Name (PSN)?
The Proper Shipping Name is the official name assigned to a dangerous good in the IMDG Code and must be used on shipping documents and markings.
8. What is a Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)?
A Dangerous Goods Declaration is the mandatory document that provides detailed information about dangerous goods being transported by sea.
9. What packaging can be used for dangerous goods?
Only packaging that meets the applicable IMDG packing instructions and UN performance standards may be used.
10. What are IMDG segregation requirements?
Segregation requirements ensure that incompatible dangerous goods are kept apart during transport to prevent dangerous reactions.
11. Can different dangerous goods be packed in the same container?
Sometimes. Compatibility, segregation requirements, and special provisions must be checked before dangerous goods can be loaded together.
12. What labels and marks are required under IMDG?
Packages must display the correct hazard labels, UN numbers, and any additional marks required by the IMDG Code.
13. What is a CTU Packing Certificate?
A Cargo Transport Unit (CTU) Packing Certificate confirms that a container has been packed according to IMDG requirements.
14. What are Limited Quantities under the IMDG Code?
Limited Quantities (LQ) are small amounts of dangerous goods that may qualify for reduced regulatory requirements when specific conditions are met.
15. What are Excepted Quantities under IMDG?
Excepted Quantities (EQ) allow very small amounts of dangerous goods to be transported under simplified requirements when specific criteria are met.
16. How are lithium batteries regulated under the IMDG Code?
Lithium batteries are assigned specific UN numbers and are subject to detailed packaging, marking, documentation, and stowage requirements.
17. What happens if dangerous goods are declared incorrectly?
Incorrect declarations can lead to shipment rejection, delays, fines, cargo damage, safety incidents, and legal consequences.
18. What is stowage under the IMDG Code?
Stowage refers to the safe placement of dangerous goods on board a vessel according to hazard characteristics and operational requirements.
19. Are dangerous goods inspections common in ports?
Yes. Port authorities and carriers regularly inspect dangerous goods shipments to verify compliance with IMDG requirements.
20. How can I become IMDG Code certified?
You can become IMDG trained by completing an approved IMDG training course relevant to your job function and maintaining appropriate training records.
21. How do I complete an IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration?
An IMDG Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD) must accurately describe the dangerous goods being shipped. The declaration normally includes:
- UN number
- Proper Shipping Name (PSN)
- Hazard class and subsidiary risk
- Packing group (if applicable)
- Number and type of packages
- Net quantity
- Marine pollutant information (if applicable)
- Flash point (for certain flammable liquids)
- Container and seal number
- Certification statement signed by the shipper
The information must exactly match the classification, packaging, marking and labeling requirements specified in the IMDG Code. Incorrect declarations are one of the most common causes of shipment delays and regulatory violations.
23, How do I classify dangerous goods under the IMDG Code?
Classification starts by identifying the substance or article and determining:
- Its primary hazard class (Classes 1–9).
- Any subsidiary hazards.
- The correct UN number.
- The packing group (I, II or III) where applicable.
- Any special provisions.
The Dangerous Goods List in the IMDG Code should then be consulted to determine packaging, marking, labeling, stowage and segregation requirements. Proper classification is essential because all subsequent transport requirements depend on it
24. What are the IMDG segregation codes?
Segregation codes indicate how incompatible dangerous goods must be separated during transport to prevent dangerous reactions. The most common segregation requirements are:
- “Away from”
- “Separated from”
- “Separated by a complete compartment or hold from”
- “Separated longitudinally by an intervening complete compartment or hold from”
The exact segregation requirements can be found in the Dangerous Goods List and the segregation tables in Chapter 7.2 of the IMDG Code. Certain substances may also have additional segregation provisions assigned through segregation groups and segregation codes.
25. Who needs IMDG training?
Anyone involved in the transport of dangerous goods by sea should receive appropriate IMDG training, including:
- Shippers
- Freight forwarders
- Dangerous goods packers
- Container loaders
- Documentation personnel
- Warehouse staff
- Shipping line personnel
- Logistics coordinators
The IMDG Code requires training appropriate to the employee’s responsibilities. Training generally includes general awareness, function-specific training and safety training.
