What to know about the IMDG Code Amendment 41

The start of 2023 is also the start of a new United Nations (UN) biennium on dangerous goods. Regulations on transporting dangerous goods and hazardous materials based on the UN Model Regulations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods will, sooner or later, be updated to reflect the new requirements introduced by the United Nations. As part of this, shippers by ocean must update their systems to reflect the new 41st edition of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, Amendment 41-22 (2022).

Why Are We Using the 2022 Edition?

The IMDG Code has a rather confusing system for numbering new editions, as well as implementing them. The latest edition, which is to take effect in 2023, is referred to as "Amendment 41-22" – it is the forty-first revision to the Code, and it was (or was supposed to be) published and released in the end of 2022, so that shippers and carriers could get a head start on preparing for 2023. Unfortunately, this latest revision was only released as an electronic version in 2022 and the hard copy was pushed back to being released in early 2023. However, it will still be referred to as the 2022 edition.

The delay in getting the 2022 edition released will not cause serious issues, fortunately. Unlike the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which become mandatory to update each January 1, the IMDG Code allows a one-year transition period. This leads to a rather confusing situation where the 2022 edition isn't intended for use until January 1, 2024, and the 2020 edition may be used through 2023.

What's New in the 2022 Edition?

Unlike some previous years, the changes in the IMDG Code are not sweeping. Changes reflect the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Revision 23 (2023), which are mostly incremental. One area where there does seem to have been more significant changes is with regards to the testing and certification of various types of pressure vessels such as cylinders and aerosols.

Here are some of the more notable changes to the new Code:

Part 1, General Provisions

Part 2, Classification

Part 3, Dangerous Goods List, Special Provisions and Exemptions

Part 4, Packing and Tank Provisions

Part 5, Consignment Procedures

Part 6, Construction and Testing of Packagings, etc.

Conclusion

If you need to start planning your shift to the new regulations, we recommend the electronic version, which can be purchased as an individual or group license. But if you prefer the hard copy regulations, don't worry! They should be out very shortly, long before you need to convert to the 41-22 edition. View our selection of IMDG publications and choose the format that is right for you.

Do you have any questions about shipping dangerous goods by sea? Contact our team of Regulatory Experts today!

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References:International Maritime Organization, The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations Twenty-first revised editionUnited Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS Rev. 9, 2021)IAEA, Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive MaterialOECD, Test No. 439: In Vitro Skin Irritation: Reconstructed Human Epidermis Test MethodScience Direct, "A new reconstructed human epidermis for in vitro skin irritation testing"UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, "Resilience of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) portable tanks"