The IMDG code

The Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations shall be followed when dangerous goods in packaged form are transported by sea.

The regulations are based on the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) drafted by the IMO. The code has been translated to Swedish and has been incorporated into the regulations as an annex. There are only a few Swedish special requirements.
 
The IMDG Code is updated and amended internationally every other year and the Swedish regulations are adjusted at the same time. The purposes of amendments to the IMDG Code include to harmonise the rules with the international regulations of other modes of transport (ADR, RID and ICAO-TI). This is done by adapting the rules to the greatest extent possible in line with the UN’s “model regulations” for carriage of dangerous goods. These “model regulations” were drafted within ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) of the UN and shall constitute a basis for international rules on carriage of dangerous goods, irrespective of mode of transport.

The provisions in the IMDG Code cover aspects including classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation, stowage and segregation of dangerous goods in packaged form for carriage by sea.

The IMDG Code, i.e., the annex to the regulations, consists of the following parts:

  1. General provisions, definitions, training
  2. Classification
  3. Dangerous Goods List and provisions on limited quantities
  4. Packing and tank provisions
  5. Consignment provisions and procedures
  6. Construction and testing of packaging, IBCs, large packaging, portable tanks and road tank vehicles
  7. Provisions on transport operations