IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code: 2010

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code has undergone many changes over the years, in both formats and content, in order to keep up with the rapid expansion of the shipping industry. Amendment 35-10 includes revisions to various sections of the Code and to transport requirements for specific substances. It was adopted by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 87th session in May 2010.

The MSC had previously agreed that the Code as it was adopted in 2002 would be mandatory as from 1 January 2004. The Code as amended by Amendment 35-10 is mandatory as from 1 January 2012 but may be applied by administrations in whole or in part on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2011.

The Code lays down basic principles: detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials and articles, and a number of recommendations for good operational practice, including advice on terminology, packing, labelling, stowage, segregation and handling, and emergency response action.

The two-volume Code is divided into seven parts: Volume 1 (parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Code) contains sections on:

• General provisions, definitions, training
• Classification
• and tank provisions
• Consignment procedures
• Construction and testing of packagings, IBCs, large packagings, portable tanks, MEGCs and road tank vehicles
• Transport operations.

Volume 2 contains part 3 (Dangerous Goods List, special provisions and exceptions), appendix A (generic and N.O.S. Proper Shipping Names), appendix B (Glossary of terms) and an index.