IMDG CODE

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code was first published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1965 and is now updated every two years. As of January 2004, the Code has been mandatory for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) signatory states, effectively making it a global rulebook for the sea transport of Dangerous Goods.

Although it is directed primarily at sea transport, the provisions of the Code may affect a whole range of industries and services. Manufacturers, packers, shippers, feeder services such as road and rail and port authorities will find authoritative advice on classification, stowage, segregation, packing, labelling, terminology and emergency response action.

In addition to publishing the printed version of the Code, IMO has produced the electronic versions to meet the need for fast, accurate information retrieval and to cater for the differing needs of users.

IMDG Code for Windows Version V14 (Amendment 39-18)
[V14, Valid 01 January 2019]
Full program (60 MB)
Download Full Version

Note: It is recommended that you ‘Save’ the installation file to your local machine. If you simply want to install IMDG Code for Windows on the current machine and don’t require a saved copy of the file then click on the above link and select ‘Run’. Please note that different browsers may have different download procedures.

IMDG 2018 Amendment 39-18 is valid 01 January 2019, mandatory from 01 January 2020.

Summary of key changes:

There are many changes to the 2018 edition of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). The significant changes are outlined below.

  • Throughout the text ‘risk(s)’ now reads ‘hazard(s)’.
  • There is a new paragraph 2.0.6, Classification of articles containing dangerous goods N.O.S.
  • A new entry for 3227 was added to the table in paragraph 2.4.2.3.2.3 for Class 4. New entries for 3109, 3116, 3119 were added to the table in paragraph 2.5.3.2.4 for Class 5.2.
  • Chapter 2.8, Classification of corrosives, has been overhauled.
  • There is clarification in paragraph 3.1.2.2 that only the more applicable PSN be used when there are several distinct ones under one UN Number.
  • The stowage categories for several class 1 entries have been amended.
  • There have been several updates in chapter 4.2 to existing packing instructions and a few new packing instructions added.
  • There is a new IMO type 9 tank added for road gas elements vehicles for the transport of compressed gases of class 2.
  • In chapter 5.2, paragraph 5.2.2.2, the specimen labels are now presented in a landscape table.
  • Chapter 5.3 is now extended to cover bulk containers.
  • Part 6 has several minor changes to some of the chapters.
  • There is new table added to 7.2.6.3, which provides segregation exemptions for organic peroxides UN numbers 3101 to 3120 with sub-risks that clash with other organic peroxides.
  • Section 7.3.7 is restructured to merge the amendments to the Model Regulations and the existing text.

Updates to the DGL:

  • There are new entries TOXIC SOLID, FLAMMABLE, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (UN 3535) and LITHIUM BATTERIES INSTALLED IN CARGO TRANSPORT UNIT (UN 3536).
  • There are new entries UN numbers 3537 to 3548 covering ‘ARTICLES CONTAINING DANGEROUS GOODS’.
  • The eighteen new segregation groups have now been coded and included in column 16b of the DGL (note: if a substance belongs to a segregation group (as identified in 3.1.4.4) it is now identified in the DGL, column 16b, by inclusion of the ‘SGG’ code. The intention is to make the identification of belonging to a segregation group more easily recognizable directly from the DGL).
  • Column 4 of the DGL now reads ‘Subsidiary Hazard(s)’.
  • Many substances in the DGL have now been assigned SG35, SG36 and/or SG49 (stow separated from acids/alkalis/cyanides).
  • The EmS guide has been updated and revised to reflect new assignments in column 15 of the DGL

New segregation group codes:

  • Eighteen new segregation groups are identified (see paragraph 3.1.4.4).
  • Section 7.2.8 has been updated to reflect the new segregation group codes.
  • SG1 has been amended and new segregation codes SG76, SG77, and SG78 added.

Note: This is a guide only. Users must check with official sources before relying on the information.

Click here to download a PDF of the summary of changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which amendment of the IMDG Code should I use?
2. Which version do I use during a transition year?
3. What’s new in Amendment 39-18?
4. What if I need help in understanding or interpreting the content of the IMDG Code?
5. What are the differences between IMDG Code for Windows, IMDG Code on the Web and IMDG Code for Intranet?
6. How do I get pricing information?

1. Which amendment of the IMDG Code should I use?

38-16 or 39-18

Amendment 38-16 is mandatory from 01 January 2018 and may be used until 31 December 2019. This amendment is contained in IMDG Code for Windows Version 13.
Amendment 39-18 is valid from 01 January 2019, mandatory 01 January 2020 and may be used until 31 December 2021. This amendment is contained in IMDG Code for Windows Version 14.

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2. Which version do I use during a transition year?

A transition year is when IMDG Code amendments overlap, and operational use of either amendment is permitted, subject to National Administrations adoption.

Click here to see the amendment cycle.

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3. What’s new in Amendment 39-18?

Click here to see a summary of changes.

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4. What if I need help in understanding or interpreting the content of the IMDG Code?

Contact your own National Competent Authority. Details are in IMDG Code 7.9.3.

Hint: Enter 7.9.3 into the Search field of your IMDG electronic product and press Enter. Scroll down the list of countries until you find your own National Competent Authority details.

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5. What are the differences between IMDG Code for Windows, IMDG Code on the Web and IMDG Code for Intranet?

There are two main factors that should help you decide which product suits your requirements:

  • Number of anticipated users
  • Method of access (e.g., via the internet)

IMDG Code for Windows (ZL200E)
This the ideal solution for single users who need frequent and guaranteed access. IMDG Code for Windows is a stand-alone product installed locally on your computer, either via download or installed from a CD. Once it is installed, internet access is not required.

Each computer on which it is installed must be licenced and is activated with an activation code. For ease of maintenance and updating, the product can be installed a shared network and accessed by multiple users, but each networked computer requires a unique activation code.

IMDG Code for Intranet (DJ201E)
In some cases, the method of access will be the main criterion for determining which product meets the requirements of your organisation. For example, if you are a medium sized business/large organisation and your end users have no internet access, you may consider hosting the IMDG Code on your own intranet server.

IMDG Code on the Web (S200E)
For occasional use from any location, provided an internet connection is present, IMDG Code on the Web provides an economical way of accessing the IMDG Code. Several users can share the same “username”, but only one user at a time.

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6. How do I get pricing information?

Click here to see list of authorized distributors.

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