IMDG Code A42-24 – Free Summary of Changes

This summary provides an overview on updates being introduced in the Amendment 42-24 edition of the IMDG Code which may be used on an optional basis from 1 January 2025.

It provides a brief overview of the changes being introduced and should not be considered a comprehensive listing of all amendments. For full details and applicable provisions, refer to the text of Amendment 42-24.

Summary of Key Changes:

Part 1: General Provisions – Definitions

• Updated definition for recycled plastics material (now mentions IBCs).
• A new definition for “degree of filling” has been added.

Part 2: Classification

• UN 3555 has been added to the list of liquid desensitized explosives.
• One amendment and three new additions to the organic peroxide table.
• Sodium ion batteries have been added to Class 9, along with new vehicle entries and a new life-saving appliances entry.
• Updates to paragraph 2.10.2.7 and the introduction of Special Provision SP375 clarify exemptions and permit UN 3077 and UN 3082 to be exempt from IMDG Code requirements if under 5 kg or 5 L, even if not declared marine pollutants.

Part 3: Dangerous Goods List

Various amendments have been made to existing entries, special provisions (SPs), stowage codes, properties, and observations, along with the addition of new entries. Notable changes include:

• Carbon (UN 1361):
  • Removal of SP925, meaning carbon can no longer be exempted from the IMDG Code.
  • Addition of SP978, which introduces new definitions, weathering, transport, and packaging requirements.
  • Removal of PP12, meaning carbon is no longer permitted in specific bags (5H1, 5L1, and 5M1) in closed CTUs.
• Activated Carbon (UN 1362):
  • SP979 clarifies exemptions from the IMDG Code provisions and adds a new documentation requirement under section 5.4.4.2.
• Additional changes to UN Number entries:
  • UN 1006, 1013, 1046, and 1066: SP406 increases the limited quantity value to 1000 mL.
  • UN 1835 and UN 3292: PSNs have been amended.
  • UN 1835 and UN 3423: SP409 allows continued use of Amendment 41 for a transition period. This also applies to UN 3560.
  • UN 3423: Reclassified from Class 8 to Class 6.1, subhazard 8 and now Packing Group I (PGI). It is no longer permitted in LQ, stricter EQ limits apply, and shipment in IBCs requires competent authority approval.
  • UN 1391 and UN 3482: Now permitted in tanks.
  • UN 3129 (PG II & III), UN 3130 (PG II & III), and UN 3148 (PG I, II & III): Stowage category changed to “D” (on deck only, prohibited on passenger ships). SW5 replaced by stowage code “SW31.”
  • UN 3536: Stowage category changed to “D” (no longer permitted under deck or on passenger ships).
  • Several entries have had updates to properties and observations.
  • New UN numbers added for fire suppressant dispersing devices (Class 1.4S and Class 9), sodium ion batteries (Class 9), disilane (Class 2.1), gallium in manufactured articles (Class 8), trifluoromethyltetrazole-sodium salt in acetone (Class 3), and vehicles powered by lithium metal, lithium ion or sodium ion batteries (Class 9).

Part 3: Special Provision

• SP28 now applies to liquid desensitized explosives under Class 3.
• SP388 clarifies the application of UN 3171, including new battery-powered vehicle DGL entries. A new paragraph .8 clarifies that hybrid vehicles on container ships will have the same requirements as SP961.1 on ro-ro decks.
• SP922, 928, 931, 935, 939, 954, 964, and 979 now reference the new documentation requirements under paragraph 5.4.4.2.
• SP375 clarifies conditions for UN 3077 and UN 3082 when package size results in non-classification as marine pollutants.
• SP978 and SP979 replace SP925 for carbon entries, including details on packing group assignments, stowage requirements, and exemptions from the IMDG Code.

Part 4: Packing Instructions Updates

Numerous minor changes and formatting improvements have been made.  Two new packing instructions have been introduced:

• P303 applies exclusively to UN 3555.
• P912 applies to new vehicle entries (UN 3556, 3557, and 3558).

A new tank special provision TP42 applies to UN 1391 and UN 3482.

Part 5: Consignment

• Lithium battery marking now extended to cover the new sodium ion battery entries.
• For carbon shipments, the transport document must include the date of production, date of packaging, and temperature of the material at the time of packaging.
• Stowage plans onboard ships must now include both primary and subsidiary hazards.
• A new paragraph 5.4.4.2 requires a certificate exempting a substance, material, or article from the IMDG Code provisions to be submitted alongside cargo information as required by SOLAS regulation VI/2.

Part 6: Construction and Testing of Packagings et al:

The chapters in Part 6 include several updates to referenced standards and minor revisions.

Part 7: Transport Operations

• Stowage code “SW31” has been added, requiring stowage away from potential sources of ignition for certain water-reactive liquids.
• Carbon is now included in the stowage and handling provisions for Class 4 in section 7.6.2.7.

This free summary was produced by NCB Hazcheck, a leader in compliance solutions for managing dangerous goods in sea transport and e-learning courses for the transport industry.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The IMDG Code is produced by the International Maritime Organization.

This is a brief guide to the changes only. Please refer to the IMDG Code for a complete list of all changes in this Amendment.

A general transitional period runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, during which the previous amendment A41-22 remains applicable.

NCB Hazcheck accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Download the DETAILED SUMMARY OF CHANGES here.