The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has rolled out Amendment 42-24 to the IMDG Code, introducing key updates designed to improve safety, simplify regulations, and align with international transport standards.
This amendment will affect shippers, freight forwarders, and shipping lines involved in the handling of dangerous goods in maritime transport.

The new amendment introduces a Special Provision 978, which took effect on the January 1, 2025 and will remain in force until December 31, 2027. In the transitional year of 2025, shippers can choose to comply with either Amendment 41-22 or the new Amendment 42-24. However, from 2026 onward, Amendment 42-24 will be mandatory for all shipments, making it crucial for businesses to update their processes within the next year.

Key points of the amendment and special provision 978 include:
• Materials must be weathered for at least 14 days after production or packed under inert gas after pyrolysis, followed by a 24-hour storage period.

✅ Materials must only be packed if their temperature does not exceed 40°C on the day of packing.

✅ Containerized transports in bulk without any packaging are not allowed.

✅ Cargo transport units must have a minimum 30 cm headspace.

✅ Dangerous Goods Declaration must contain the following information:
– Date of production
– Date of packing into packaging
– Temperature of the material on the day of packing into packaging

⚓ Key Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders
Amendment 42-24 will directly impact shipping operations involving dangerous goods. Industry stakeholders should take note of the following key points:

Transition Period: The amendment is voluntary throughout 2025 but will become mandatory starting in 2026. Businesses should use this transition period to update their policies and procedures.

Action Required: Shippers must carefully assess how these changes will affect their classification, documentation, packaging, and transport processes to ensure full compliance with the revised IMDG Code. Non-compliance could lead to shipment delays, fines, or other disruptions.

Amendment 42-24 marks a major advancement in improving the safety and efficiency of transporting dangerous goods by sea. By addressing emerging risks and updating essential provisions, the IMO seeks to strengthen global shipping standards. Companies involved in maritime transport must take immediate action to review the changes, update their compliance procedures, and prepare for the mandatory implementation of Amendment 42-24 in 2026.

For more information feel free to reach out to us on hello@hydrocarbongroup.co.za

Source: Hapag Lloyd (2025, January 29) & Hazcheck (2025, January 5)