1. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is regularly reviewed to take into account new requirements for existing substances or new substances. IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.501 (105) specifying forthcoming amendments (41-22) to the IMDG Code.
2. The amendments (41-22) to IMDG Code will become mandatory from 1 January 2024, however Administrations may choose to apply the amendments on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2023.
3. The amendments (41-22) to IMDG Code is intended to align with the amendments to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, 21st Revision Edition. In addition to the regular updates to classification, segregation, packing and marking of dangerous goods, these amendments include the following:
a. Clarification on 5.1.2.1 with regard to the fact that Class 7 goods may need to be marked with different label in addition to ‘OVERPACK’;
b. New definition for “pressure receptacle shell” in 1.2.1 of the IMDG Code;
c. The addition of a telephone number to the Lithium battery mark;
d. A new chapter regarding ‘Portable tanks with shells made of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) materials;
e. Deletion of ‘special stowage’ from note 1 in 7.2.7.1.4 as it is no longer applicable.
4. Further, based on the amendments (41-22) to the IMDG Code, a revised consolidated version of the EmS Guide was approved vide MSC.1/Circ.1588/Rev.2.
5. The purpose of this Guide is to provide guidance for dealing with fires and spillages (leakages) on board ships involving the dangerous goods listed in the IMDG Code. This Circular supersedes MSC.1/ Circ. 1588, Rev 1.
6. Owners and operators of ships intending to carry packaged dangerous goods cargoes are advised to be guided by above.
Enclosure: