IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)
The IMDG Code is the IMO rulebook for carrying dangerous goods by sea, covering classification into 9 classes, UN numbers, packing groups I to III, packaging, labels, placards, documentation and segregation. It is amended every two years; Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory since 1 January 2026. The shipper must provide a Dangerous Goods Declaration, and the container needs a Container Packing Certificate. Lithium batteries, perfume, paint and aerosols are often dangerous goods even though they look like ordinary products.
Related terms
- UN Number
A UN number is a four-digit number from the UN Recommendations that identifies a dangerous substance or article, for example UN 1203 for gasoline, UN 1263 for paint and UN 3480 fo…
- Segregation (Dangerous Goods)
Segregation is keeping apart dangerous goods that could react hazardously if they leaked or burned together.
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
The IATA DGR is the operational manual for shipping dangerous goods by air, based on the ICAO Technical Instructions and reissued every year with a new edition effective from 1 Ja…
- Stowage Plan
A stowage plan is the planned position of every container or cargo unit on board a vessel, built by line and terminal planners before the ship berths.
Covered in these guides
Ro-Ro and Ferry Stowage Planning: Lane Metres, Axle Loads, Ramps and Vehicle Lashing
How to plan Ro-Ro, ferry and PCTC loading, from lane metres and free height to axle and lane loads, ramps, vehicle spacing, loading order and lashing.
5 min read Vessel stowageGeneral Cargo and Breakbulk Stowage: Holds, Stowage Factor and Discharge Order
How to plan general cargo stowage in holds and tween decks, work out stowage factor and broken stowage, check tank top loads and set a clean discharge order.
6 min read Vessel stowageDangerous Goods Stowage on Ships: Classes, Segregation, Stowage Categories, DG Manifest
How dangerous goods fit into a vessel stowage plan, from IMDG classes, segregation and stowage categories to deck vs hold, heat sources and the DG manifest.
6 min read Maritime professionalsIMDG Code Basics: Dangerous Goods Classes, UN Numbers, Labels and Documents
An introduction to the IMDG Code for dangerous goods by sea, covering the 9 classes, UN numbers, packing groups, labels, placards, DG documents and lithium batteries.
6 min read