From 1 January 2026, the 2024 edition of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, including Amendment 42-24, is mandatory for packaged dangerous goods carried by sea. For chemical buyers, the practical effect is a tighter need to align classification, packaging, marks, documents and carrier acceptance before cargo is booked.
What changed for procurement teams
The International Maritime Organization describes the IMDG Code as the framework for harmonized carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form. UK Maritime Information Note MIN 715 confirms that Amendment 42-24 applies on or after 1 January 2026 and includes changes affecting devices such as data loggers and tracking equipment attached to packages or containers.
Pre-booking checklist
- Confirm the substance classification and proper shipping name with the responsible dangerous-goods specialist.
- Check packaging, marks, labels, documentation and segregation requirements for the selected transport mode.
- Ask the forwarder whether the intended carrier and route accept the declared cargo.
- Keep the SDS, commercial invoice, packing list and any required dangerous-goods declaration consistent.
Buyer takeaway
Do not treat a freight quotation as confirmation that a shipment is compliant. Send the product identity, grade, packaging format, net and gross weight, destination port and requested sailing window to the supplier and forwarder early enough for a route-specific review.
For sulfamic acid and related industrial chemicals, packaging and carrier acceptance should be reconfirmed for each shipment because service availability depends on the actual classification, pack format and route.
Sources
IMO: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
UK Maritime Information Note MIN 715