GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)

When a freight forwarder is tasked with shipping benzene by container vessel from Rotterdam to Singapore, the IMDG Code is the first point of reference: benzene must be classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid, the correct UN-certified packaging specified, labels and the cargo manifest prepared, and segregation from oxidizing agents ensured.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/DangerousGoods-default.aspx

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Definition & Explanation

When a freight forwarder is tasked with shipping benzene by container vessel from Rotterdam to Singapore, the IMDG Code is the first point of reference: benzene must be classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid, the correct UN-certified packaging specified, labels and the cargo manifest prepared, and segregation from oxidizing agents ensured. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) is the globally binding framework issued by the IMO for the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea. It covers nine hazard classes and sets out detailed requirements for packaging, marking, labelling, stowage, and segregation, applicable to carriers, freight forwarders, shippers, and port operators alike. The IMO revises the Code on a regular cycle, and the current edition is mandatory for all parties in the ocean freight chain. Not to be confused with the IMSBC Code, which governs solid bulk cargoes, or the IGC Code for liquefied gas tankers.

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-maritime-dangerous-goods-code-imdg-code), accessed 2026-10-27
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-maritime-dangerous-goods-code-imdg-code
BibTeX: @misc{internationalmaritimedangerous2025, title = {International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-maritime-dangerous-goods-code-imdg-code}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-10-27} }

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