Approved by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee last May, Amendment 35-10 of the IMDG Code, entered its transitional year in January 2011 (meaning that operators are able to apply its provisions) and will come into mandatory force on 1 January 2012.

Following the link below provides a summary put together by ICHCA International of the key changes made by the Amendment of relevance to those in the international supply chain. The summary does not cover all of the changes and those who are involved with the movement of packaged dangerous goods should ensure that they obtain at least one copy of the new edition of the Code. Ordering IMO documents through ICHCA International, which is an IMO distributor will attract a discount for ICHCA members.

Notable changes include further emphasis on shoreside training including records to be kept, new Special Provisions relating to vehicles and engines, references to the provision of information in electronic format, a new Limited Quantity label/placard, an amended Excepted Quantity label for packages, an amended Marine Pollutant mark, some tightening up on the movement of fumigated units and the introduction of three new UN Numbers for Calcium Hypochlorite.

ICHCA and the TT Club have previously published two pocket cards, inserted in a simple document providing guidance on the IMDG Code. The first card (coded 'IIL/1') deals with documentation and specifies what detailed description must be included in declarations made by the shipper, according to the class of the substance or article. The second card ('IIL/2') shows all the various labels/placards, signs and marks that are appropriate in each case. Both pocket cards are intended to be carried and used as a reference during the working day.

The guide comes both in printed form and as a PDF, the latter providing links to related information. The guide is downloadable from the publications menu on the Home page of the TT Club website and the printed version can be ordered free of charge. This guide is immediately available and will be updated to reflect the latest amendment shortly.