Frequently Asked Questions
Dangerous Goods Transport Document
Where do I obtain Dangerous Goods Notes from?
A blank Dangerous Goods Note can be downloaded here: Blank DGN.
MCA Interpretation of the certification and vehicle/container packing certificate requirements of the IMDG Code and UK legislation which gives it force of law
The MCA interpretation is given in this document.
IMDG Code Issues
Where do I obtain the IMDG Code from?
The IMDG Code is available directly from IMO publications in either a book or CD Rom version website http://www.imo.org/.
Corrigenda and Errata to IMDG Code Amendment (34-08)
The corrigenda and errata to the IMDG code Amendment 34 can be found here.
IMDG Code 35th Amendment (35-10)
RESOLUTION MSC.294(87) (adopted on 21 May 2010) outlines the changes to the IMDG Code and forms the basis of Amendment 35 to the IMDG Code.
Marine Pollution
Guidance on the application of chapter 2.10 (Marine Pollutants) of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (amendment 33-06)
DSC. 1/Circ.55 gives guidance on the existing provisions of the IMDG Code, this guidance note expires on 31 December 2009.
New Marine Pollutant Provisions from 1 January 2009
DSC .1/Circ.54 gives guidance on the revised Marine Pollutant provisions which come into force on a voluntary basis on 1 January 2009 and on a mandatory basis on 1 January 2010. This document will assist all within the transport supply chain to prepare for the new provisions.
Wastes
The transport of waste is covered by Chapter 7.8 of the IMDG Code, however, for the those involved with the carriage of wastes further guidance is given:-
If waste is being shipped, it is the responsibility of the consignor to establish whether or not it is classified dangerous goods for sea transport.
If it is classified as dangerous goods for sea transport, it will be subject to all the provisions of the IMDG Code, as amended.
In addition, if the waste is classified as hazardous under the criteria of the Environment Agency (EA) for England and Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and the Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland (EHSNI) it will be subject to the written notification and procedures of Regulation (EEC) No 259/93, these bodies also regulate the transboundary movement of waste in the United Kingdom.
Wastes which are not classified as dangerous goods for sea transport according to the criteria given in the IMDG Code may present health risks to crew and passengers etc. Shippers of this type of waste, e.g. offal, some types of asbestos, hides etc, have to consider their duties and responsibilities under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations, 1999 and the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations, 1997.
In addition, control over the transboundary movement of wastes outside the UK is exercised by competent authorities in each state who may not be the same as those bodies who regulate its transport.
It should be noted that sheeted bulk containers are not permitted under the IMDG Code.
Please find below a link to an exemption for the Carriage of Domestic Ferries of Used Lithium Cells or Batteries and Other Battery Types:
Guidance for loading Cargo Transport Units (CTUs, Freight Containers) being used to carry waste (especially scrap materials)
The following is intended as guidance for those involved in the transport of scrap materials by sea. It should be noted that shipping lines may have specific additional requirements for loading scrap into containers.
1. CTUs must not contain dangerous goods unless they are correctly declared as such.
Examples of dangerous goods:
2 Care must be taken to ensure CTUs which are said to hold a single type of metal waste must not be allowed to be contaminated by other metals which may cause, or have the potential to cause, a hazardous atmosphere to form.
3 Ensure that the contents of CTUs are free from acid, alkalis or other substances liable to react with cargo to form a hazardous atmosphere.
4 It should be noted that any CTU consigned for sea transport should be packed and secured to ensure even distribution of weight across the CTU in order to prevent movement of material contained.
Class 6.2 Infectious Substances
A detailed guidance document on the transport of infectious substances has been produced by DfT, CAA and MCA and is available at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_freight/documents/page/dft_freight_504703.hcsp
For domestic voyages of Class 6.2 substances, UN2900 Infectious substance, affecting animals only; UN2814 Infectious substance, affecting humans and UN3291, Clinical waste, unspecified, N.O.S. or (Bio) Medical waste, N.O.S., or Regulated medical waste, N.O.S., class 6.2, where no other service exists other than on board passenger ferries, stowage category E is approved, away from living quarters and preferably under deck. All other conditions of the IMDG Code must apply to such goods, including the correct labelling of the goods and placarding of cargo transport units.
When transporting Clinical Waste under the above UN numbers, the vehicle is to be accompanied by the driver of the vehicle. Unless the Competent Authority have given approval to allow unaccompanied vehicles.
Animal by-products
It is the responsibility of the consignor to determine if the animal by-products meet the classification criteria of Class 6.2 and if so, transported in accordance with the IMDG Code.
During transport the integrity of the packaging, or leak-proof containers, should be maintained. The packaged material or containers must also be labeled to identify the category of the animal by-product being carried.
Detailed guidance on the Disposal of Animal By-products, including former Foodstuffs of Animal Origin, from Food Outlets, including its transport, is given in the Defra document of the same title available via http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/default.htm.
It is also an offence under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations to load onto a ship a cargo of animal by-products which is liable to leak onto the ships deck.