Classification by physical hazard (IMDG code)

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The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is accepted as an international guideline for safe transportation of packaged dangerous or hazardous goods.

The IMDG code consists of 7 parts:

Part 1: General provisions, definitions and Training

Part 2: Classification

Part 3: Dangerous goods list and limited quantities exceptions

Part 4: Packing and tank provisions

Part 5: Consignment procedures

Part 6: Construction and Testing of Packaging

Part 7: Requirements concerning Transport Operations

Part 2 of the IMDG code describes a classification system based on specific hazards. Substances are grouped into the categories listed on the right side of this page.

Part 3 of the IMDG code lists substances considered to be dangerous goods. For each substance, all necessary information is given, such as: proper shipping name, hazard class, whether it is a marine pollutant and the compatibility class.

Part 4 of the code gives instructions on the use of packages in each size and type.

In part 5 the procedures for marking, labelling and documenting are given. Each category listed in part 2 has a corresponding warning label that should be visible on the outside of the packing of a substance. Some examples of these labels are shown to the right.

Part 6 of the IMDG code describes how the different packages should be constructed and tested.

In part 7, the segregation requirements for transport of dangerous goods by sea are given in terms of which substances can be transported in proximity and which cannot. Thus, for example, explosives (class 1) should not be stored or transported near flammable gases (class 2.1) because in the event of a class 2.1 fire heat transfer could cause the class 1 substance to explode. The IMDG segregation rules are summarized Figure 46.

The shipper of dangerous goods is obliged to supply the “Dangerous Goods Transport Document”, which must contain the following information: