Glossary / Dangerous goods

IMDG Code

Also: IMDG · International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

The international rulebook for carrying dangerous goods by sea, published by the IMO. It sets classification, packing, marking, documentation, stowage and segregation requirements for ocean freight and is updated on a two-year cycle. Its air counterpart is the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations; US ground follows 49 CFR. Booking DG by ocean means meeting the IMDG edition in force.

Full guideDangerous goods documentation: what has to match, and why one line holds the shipment →