IMDG Code Amendment 43-26: Summary of Changes, Dates and What It Means

IMDG Code Amendment 43-26 is the next update to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. It may be applied on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2027 and becomes mandatory on 1 January 2028. This guide explains the timeline, the main areas of change and what shippers, forwarders and carriers should do to prepare.

Amendment 43-26 at a glance

How the IMDG Code amendment cycle works

The IMO publishes a new amendment to the IMDG Code every two years. The amendments are prepared by the Editorial and Technical (E&T) Group of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) and draw on two sources: proposals from IMO Member Governments, and changes needed to keep the Code aligned with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the UN Model Regulations).

Each amendment is valid for three years, which creates an alternating pattern:

• Overlap years. A new amendment is published in January and may be used straight away, subject to adoption by the relevant national competent authority. During these years, both the new amendment and the one before it may be used.
• Single-amendment years. Only the current amendment may be used.

Our IMDG Code amendment cycle page shows this pattern year by year.

What this means for 2026 to 2028

• 2026: Amendment 42-24 is mandatory and is the only amendment in force.
• 2027: Amendment 42-24 remains valid, and 43-26 may also be applied on a voluntary basis, in whole or in part, where Administrations allow it.
• 2028: Amendment 43-26 becomes mandatory and is the only amendment that may be used.

In practice, using 43-26 during 2027 depends on the flag State and the port States involved in a voyage. Check with your carrier and the relevant competent authorities before relying on the new provisions early.

Main changes in Amendment 43-26

Amendment 43-26 is a routine biennial update rather than a restructuring of the Code. The areas below are those identified in the sources we have reviewed. Hazcheck’s free summary of changes gives a fuller overview. It is a brief summary rather than a complete list of every amendment, so the IMDG Code text itself remains the authoritative reference.

Batteries

The amendment updates the provisions for carrying batteries, including new UN entries for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems. Battery provisions have changed in several recent amendments to keep pace with the growth in battery-powered goods, and shippers of batteries should review classification and documentation carefully against the new text.

Vehicles, including electric vehicles

Amendment 43-26 provides clearer criteria for transporting vehicles, including electric vehicles. This includes a new special provision for vehicle safety assessment (SP 980) and revisions to the existing special provisions SP 961 and SP 962, which deal with vehicles in the Code.

Segregation of radioactive material

The segregation distances for radioactive cargo have been updated. Anyone planning stowage for class 7 consignments should check the revised distances before applying 43-26.

Dangerous Goods List, column 17

The CCC Sub-Committee has been reviewing column 17 of the Dangerous Goods List (properties and observations). This column covers around 3,500 entries. CCC 10 agreed draft guiding principles for describing properties such as physical state, form, boiling point, flashpoint, toxicity and corrosivity, and passed them to the E&T Group for inclusion, as appropriate, in Amendment 43-26.

EmS Guide

Consequential amendments have been made to the EmS Guide (Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods) to reflect changes in the Code.

What Amendment 43-26 means for your operation

1. Get the new text. Make sure everyone who classifies, packs, documents or plans stowage of dangerous goods has access to Amendment 43-26.
2. Review your product range. Identify the cargoes affected, particularly batteries, battery-powered equipment, vehicles and class 7 material.
3. Update systems and master data. Booking, validation and documentation systems need the new Dangerous Goods List data before you ship under 43-26.
4. Refresh training. The IMDG Code requires shore-side personnel to receive training appropriate to their responsibilities. Amendment changes are a natural point to refresh it.
5. Agree a switch-over date. Agree with your carriers and trading partners when you will move from 42-24 to 43-26 during 2027, and avoid mixing provisions from both amendments in one shipment.

How Hazcheck can help

• Free Amendment 43-26 summary of changes: a compact overview of the amendment, prepared by NCB.
• IMDG Code e-Reader: searchable digital access to the Code.
• IMDG Code e-learning: training courses for staff who handle dangerous goods by sea.
• Hazcheck Validate and Hazcheck Validate Desktop: check dangerous goods bookings against the IMDG Code, including segregation and stowage.
• Hazcheck Search: look up Dangerous Goods List data quickly.

To discuss your move to Amendment 43-26, contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

When does IMDG Code Amendment 43-26 come into force?

Amendment 43-26 becomes mandatory on 1 January 2028. It may be applied on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2027.

Can I use Amendment 42-24 during 2027?

Yes. Under the normal amendment cycle, the previous amendment remains valid during the overlap year, so 42-24 may still be used in 2027. From 1 January 2028, only 43-26 may be used. Check the position of the flag and port States involved in your voyages.

Who adopted Amendment 43-26?

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee adopted it at its 111th session (MSC 111), held in London in May 2026.

What are the main changes in 43-26?

The main areas are battery provisions (including new entries for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems), clearer criteria for vehicles including electric vehicles, updated segregation distances for radioactive material, and consequential changes to the EmS Guide. See our free summary for an overview.

Do I need new training for Amendment 43-26?

The IMDG Code requires shore-side staff to be trained for their responsibilities, and that training should reflect the amendment in use. Many organisations schedule refresher training ahead of each mandatory date.

Is the free summary a complete list of changes?

No. It is a brief overview of the main changes. Always refer to the full text of the IMDG Code for compliance decisions.

Sources

• Hazcheck: IMDG Code Amendment 43-26 free summary of changes
• Hazcheck: IMDG Code amendment cycle
• IMO: Preview of MSC 111, 13–22 May 2026
• IMO: CCC 10 meeting summary, September 2024
• IMO: Dangerous goods (IMDG Code overview)
• IMO Publications: IMDG Code
• Publisher product description, IMDG Code 2026 Edition (Amendment 43-26) (secondary source; used only for the list of change areas, all flagged for checking)