Practical guides to the rules that govern dangerous goods transport, written by NCB Hazcheck’s dangerous goods specialists.
Each guide explains a topic in plain English, points to the relevant part of the regulations and shows where Hazcheck software and training can help. Always check the current edition of the regulations for the exact requirements that apply to your shipment.
IMDG Code essentials
IMDG Code Amendment 43-26: Summary of Changes, Dates and What It MeansIMDG Code Amendment 43-26: voluntary from 1 January 2027, mandatory from 1 January 2028. Key dates, main changes and how to prepare.Read the guideThe 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods Explained (IMDG Code)The 9 dangerous goods classes explained in plain English, from Class 1 explosives to Class 9 miscellaneous, with divisions, examples and packing groups.Read the guideIMDG Segregation Explained: The Segregation Table, Terms and Worked ExamplesHow to read the IMDG Code segregation table: the four segregation terms, segregation groups, chapter 7.2 and two worked examples.Read the guideLimited and Excepted Quantities under the IMDG CodeIMDG limited quantities and excepted quantities explained: Chapters 3.4 and 3.5, DGL columns 7a and 7b, LQ and EQ marks, documents and stowage concessions.Read the guideIMDG Code vs ADR vs 49 CFR: Key Differences for Dangerous Goods Shippers49 CFR vs IMDG vs ADR: who publishes each, what they cover, when more than one applies and the key differences dangerous goods shippers need to know.Read the guide
Dangerous Goods Declarations
How to Complete a Dangerous Goods Declaration (IMO DGD) for Sea TransportHow to complete an IMO dangerous goods declaration under IMDG Code chapter 5.4: description order, extra details, packing certificate and common errors.Read the guideDangerous Goods Declaration Software: Validate and ExtractDG declaration software from NCB Hazcheck: validate against IMDG, 49 CFR and ADR, check segregation, create DGDs and extract data from incoming DGDs.Read the guide
Cargo safety
Misdeclared Dangerous Goods: The Risk, the Statistics and How Screening HelpsWhy misdeclared dangerous goods remain a major cause of container ship fires, what inspection and incident data show, and how booking screening helps.Read the guideShipping Lithium Batteries by Sea: An IMDG Code GuideHow to ship lithium batteries by sea under the IMDG Code: UN numbers, Class 9, special provisions, marking, documentation and misdeclaration risk.Read the guide
Training
Research
DGEval: how well do AI models know the IMDG Code?NCB’s benchmark, developed with Durham University, tests large language models on dangerous goods regulations and highlights where general-purpose AI falls short.Read about DGEval
AI Implementation and BenchmarkingUse DGEval-informed benchmarking to assess AI tools for dangerous goods workflows before you rely on them.Explore the service
AI Implementation and BenchmarkingUse DGEval-informed benchmarking to assess AI tools for dangerous goods workflows before you rely on them.Explore the service
Free resources
- IMDG Code 43-26 summary of changes A free, compact summary of the changes in Amendment 43-26.
- IMDG Code amendment cycle How and when the IMDG Code is amended.
- IMDG Coded Variant List Free reference list for exchanging IMDG Code information in EDI messages.
- All free resources Summaries, tools and downloads.
Put the rules into practice
Check shipments automatically with Hazcheck Validate, screen bookings with Hazcheck Detect, or train your team with IMDG Code online training.