Dangerous goods by sea: the 2026 IMDG checkpoint

Disclose before quotation

Tell the provider that the cargo may be regulated before requesting space. Obtain technical information from the manufacturer or qualified source and provide the applicable product records. Do not classify cargo from a commercial name alone. A preliminary freight quote is not carrier approval for dangerous goods, and an ordinary container booking should not be used to avoid the review.

Separate compliance from capacity

The IMDG Code addresses matters including packing, documentation, marking and stowage for packaged dangerous goods. Current requirements and the carrier’s acceptance process must both be considered. Confirm the responsible trained parties and submission deadlines. Ask whether the route or connecting services introduce additional acceptance requirements before agreeing the movement.

Keep changes under review

Changes to formulation, packaging, quantities or equipment can affect the plan. Reconfirm the relevant information rather than reusing a previous booking uncritically. Retain the approved records and acceptance confirmation with the shipment. This guide is a planning prompt; it does not replace the code, trained assessment or a carrier’s formal approval.

Your shipment checklist

• Disclose possible dangerous goods immediately.
• Use current product classification records.
• Confirm carrier and route acceptance.
• Retain the approved document set.

Does this article certify my shipment for carriage?

No. Compliance and carrier acceptance require a shipment-specific review by qualified parties using the applicable rules.