Before any substance is placed on the market, it should be subjected to a series of UN-specified tests to determine whether it has any dangerous properties such as flammability, toxicity, or whether it reacts with common substances making them dangerous for use or during transport. If a substance or article is found to have properties that make it potentially hazardous during transport it is classified under the UN system as “dangerous goods” and is included in the IMDG Code Dangerous Goods List.

Before offering dangerous goods for transport, the shipper must make a shipper’s dangerous goods declaration. Therefore, it is the shipper’s duty to obtain formal hazard classification from the manufacturer of the dangerous goods offered, or test it himself. Some classification test methods are described in IMDG Part 2, but in general the tests are specialised and outside the scope of this guide.

The following section on classification is to clarify which details derived from the UN classification system the shipper is required to provide to the shipping line when booking a consignment for carriage by sea in order to comply with the IMDG Code.

Before dangerous goods can be accepted for shipment by sea, the shipper must ensure he has obtained a classification resulting from standard UN hazard identification tests.

These tests enable hazard classification (Proper Shipping Name, UN Number, hazard class, packing group and other dangerous goods details demanded on documentation by the IMDG Code) to be identified and submitted to the shipping line. The shipper must present a signed dangerous goods declaration document containing these same dangerous goods details to the person designated to pack the cargo transport unit. The shipper’s declaration is a binding agreement with the shipping line that the goods have been accurately described.

The IMDG Code requires that dangerous goods are classified into one of nine main hazard classes, according to the nature of the hazard. These classes are described below one by one.

Some of the nine classes are sub-divided. Each class and class sub-division is represented by a different diamond shaped identification symbol.

The first process of classification identifies substances or articles as having characteristics that place it in one or more of the nine dangerous goods classes described below⁶⁴.

Having identified the class, the classification process continues to determine the UN Number, Proper Shipping Name, packing group and other details to exactly identify the hazardous properties of each substance.

-

⁶⁴ See IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapters 2.1 to 2.9 for full details

There are standard UN classification test methods prescribed to identify each class. The less technically complex tests are included in IMDG Part 2. These tests will determine what class, or class sub-division a particular dangerous substance will be assigned. If there is more than one dangerous characteristic, a subsidiary hazard will be added to the main class.

Class 1: Explosives⁶⁵ (sub-divided according to the type of hazard)

Class 1.1 – Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard

Class 1.2 – Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Class 1.3 – Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard

Class 1.4 – Substances and articles which present no significant hazard

Class 1.5 – Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Class 1.6 – Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases⁶⁶ (sub-divided according to the type of hazard)

Class 2.1 – Flammable gases

Class 2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Class 2.3 – Toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids⁶⁷

Class 4: Flammable solids⁶⁸ (sub-divided according to the type of hazard)

Class 4.1 – Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, solid desensitized explosives and polymerizing substances

Class 4.2 – Substances liable to spontaneously combustion

Class 4.3 – Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidising substances and organic peroxides⁶⁹ (sub-divided according to the type of hazard)

Class 5.1 – Oxidising substances

Class 5.2 – Organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances⁷⁰ (sub-divided according to the type of hazard)

Class 6.1 – Toxic substances

Class 6.2 – Infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material⁷¹

Class 8: Corrosive substances⁷²

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles (class 9) and environmentally hazardous substances and marine pollutants⁷³

Class 1 - Explosives: hazard divisions 1.1 - 1.6⁷⁴

The range of substances and articles classified as explosives is wide and covers a range of risks and hazards. Therefore, explosives are sub-divided into “hazard divisions” to indicate the nature and degree of hazard as follows:

Class 1.1 – Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard

If one part of a consignment of 1.1 explosives detonates, it is likely that the entire consignment will detonate simultaneously in a single mass explosion. The size of the explosive blast would be related to the quantity of explosives in the consignment.

Example: UN 0034, BOMBS, with bursting charge

On Division 1 labels:* = Place for compatibility group – to be left blank if explosive is the subsidiary hazard

Class 1.2 – Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

If a consignment of 1.2 explosives is detonated, no mass explosion will result. However, there will be a projectile hazard and a series of smaller explosions is possible, throwing out projectiles that may themselves explode away from the original explosion.

Example: UN 0295, ROCKETS with bursting charge

Class 1.3 – Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard

If a consignment of type 1.3 explosives is detonated, there will be a major fire hazard and minor blast or minor projectile hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard.

Example: UN 0186, ROCKET MOTORS

Class 1.4 – Substances and articles which present no significant hazard

If a consignment of type 1.4 explosives is detonated, there will be no major blast, projectile or fire hazard. Additionally, hazards from articles in Compatibility Group “S” will be largely confined to the packaging and will not hinder fire-fighting.

Example: UN 0066, CORD, IGNITER

Class 1.5 – Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Explosive substances which possess a major blast hazard but are so insensitive they are unlikely to detonate accidentally in the event of a fire.

Example: UN 0332, EXPLOSIVES, BLASTING, TYPE E

Class 1.5 – Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Explosive substances which possess a major blast hazard but are so insensitive they are unlikely to detonate accidentally in the event of a fire.

Example: UN 0332, EXPLOSIVES, BLASTING, TYPE E

Class 1.6 – Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Explosive articles with negligible probability of accidental detonation during transport.

Example: UN 0486, ARTICLES, EXPLOSIVE, EXTREMELY INSENSITIVE

Explosives have a class, hazard division and uniquely a “compatibility group” and “NEC” (net explosive content).

Compatibility group (explosives only)⁷⁵

Uniquely, explosives are always allocated a compatibility group. This is a further sub-classification of Class 1 (explosives) to indicate the segregation requirements of a given explosive from other types of explosives in all modes of transport.

The compatibility group is indicated by a letter A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, N or S. Mixed packing of explosives (packing explosives of different compatibility groups in the same freight container other than with compatibility group “S”) is generally prohibited because mixing types of explosives can increase the risk and consequences of an accidental detonation. There are exceptions – mixed cargo prohibitions and permitted mixed consignments are displayed in a table in IMDG 7.2.7.

The class, hazard division and compatibility group and N.E.C. of explosives must always be included in the shipper’s declaration to determine requirements for stowage and segregation and compliance with port explosive licence and ship insurance conditions.

Net explosive content (NEC)

This is the amount of explosive material in an explosive article or consignment, as opposed to the net weight of the article (e.g. the weight of explosive compound in a bomb, without the weight of the metal casing, fusing and other mechanisms). Also called the “net explosive quantity” (NEQ), “net explosive mass” or in the case of fireworks, the “powder weight”.

Applies to Class 1 (Explosives) only, and must be included in documentation. Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 1 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 1
• Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 or 1.6
• Compatibility group A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, N or S
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• NEC (Net Explosive Content – i.e. amount of explosive compound in an article – also called the Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ)
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass
• Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 2 – Gases (sub-divided into 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3)

Class 2 substances are gases at normal temperature and pressure. During transport they are compressed, liquefied, refrigerated, dissolved in a liquid solvent or adsorbed onto a solid porous material. Escaped gas may be heavier than air, may travel some distance from the source, and create explosion, asphyxiation or toxicity hazard in ships and buildings, being liable to collect in the lowest connected level. Class 2 includes manufactured articles such as aerosols, lighters, lighter refills, fire extinguishers and fuel cell cartridges charged with compressed or liquefied gas.

The class is sub-divided according to the different properties of the gas:

 Class 2.1 - Flammable gases⁷⁶ 

Flammable gas mixed with air can be ignited by a spark or source of heat to cause

an explosion in open or enclosed space or inside a containment vessel.

Example: UN 1978, PROPANE

Note: This label may also be used with the symbol, line and “2” in white on a red background.

Class 2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic gases⁷⁷

Risk of asphyxiation of persons in enclosed spaces, or oxidizing gases which may,

generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material.

Example: UN 1013, CARBON DIOXIDE

Note: This label may also be used with the symbol, line and “2” in black on a green background.

Class 2.3 – Toxic gas⁷⁸

Inhalation of toxic gas can lead to death or injury to persons. Toxic gas may travel some distance from the original leak, through ships, buildings and open space, and may have delayed health effects.

Example: UN 2199, PHOSPHINE

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 2 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 2
• Division 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass of liquid gas product or liquid volume of compressed gas container
• Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 3 – Flammable liquids⁷⁹

The UN classification system classes liquids as flammable if they have a “flashpoint” of 60^°C or below. Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces vapour that will ignite on exposure to an open flame or spark and the flashpoint must be quoted in the transport document.

Note 1: Flammable liquids will not self-ignite at their flashpoints – they self-ignite at their “ignition temperature”, which is higher.

Note 2: This label may also be used with the symbol, line and “3” in white on a red background. Example: UN 1207, HEXALDEHYDE

Class 3 includes flammable viscous substances such as adhesives, and substances transported at elevated temperatures in a liquid state that produce flammable vapour at the transport temperature if the transport temperature is mechanically maintained above 60^°C.

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 3 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 3
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• Packing group (I, II or III)
• Flashpoint
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass or volume of Class 3
• Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 4 – Flammable solids: (sub-divided into 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3)

Class 4 deals with substances, other than those classified as explosives, which, under conditions of transport, are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to a fire. There are three sub-divisions:

Class 4.1 – Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases⁸⁰

This class includes:

Self-reactive substances;

Solid desensitized explosives;

Polymerizing substances and mixtures; and

A wide range of substances that are easily ignited by heat or friction.

Example: UN 1332, METALDEHYDE

Class 4.2 – Spontaneously combustible substances⁸¹

Includes pyrophoric solids and liquids that are liable to spontaneous heating or spontaneous combustion on contact with air, and self-heating substances that slowly generate heat on contact with air.

Example: UN 1381, PHOSPHORUS, WHITE DRY

Class 4.3 – Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases⁸²

Solids and liquids which on contact with water react to produce dangerous quantities of flammable gas, and may produce sufficient heat to cause ignition.

Note: This label may also be used with the symbol, line and “4” in white on a blue background.

Example: UN 1428, SODIUM

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 4 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class/Division 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• Packing group (I, II or III)*
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Control temperature (if carried under temperature control)
• Emergency temperature (if carried under temperature control)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass or volume of Class 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3
• Gross mass

* Self-reactives have no packing group but are classified by hazard type A to G

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 5 – Oxidising substances (sub-divided into 5.1 and 5.2)

Class 5.1 – Oxidising substances⁸³

Substances that although not necessarily flammable in themselves, yield oxygen when involved in a fire, increasing the hazard and intensity of fire. May become highly flammable or spontaneously ignite if mixed with common organic materials such as flour, sawdust, oils or sugar.

Example: UN 2067, AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER

Class 5.2 – Organic peroxides⁸⁴

These are substances liable to spontaneous, sometimes explosive, exothermic decomposition at normal or elevated temperatures or by contact with other substances. Temperature-controlled carriage is required for some peroxides. Extremely dangerous to the eyes – minimum contact with cornea of eye causes severe damage.

Note: The red/yellow version of this label may also be used with the symbol in white on the red background. Example: UN 3109, ORGANIC PEROXIDE TYPE F, LIQUID

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 5.1 or 5.2 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class/Division 5.1 or 5.2
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• Packing group (I, II or III)*
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Control temperature (if carried under temperature control
• Emergency temperature (if carried under temperature control)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass
• Gross mass

*Organic peroxides have no packing group but are classified by hazard type A to G

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 6 - Toxic infectious substances (sub-divided into 6.1 and 6.2) 

Class 6.1 - Toxic substances⁸⁵

These are substances that cause injury or death if they enter the human body. Entry can be by inhalation of dusts and vapours, accidental ingestion, or direct contact with the skin.

Toxic substances may be in the form of liquids, solids, powders or granules and precautions must be paid to avoid skin contact if packages are damaged.

Example: UN 1558, ARSENIC

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 6.1 shipping document

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 6.1
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
•  Packing group (I, II or III)
•  Marine pollutant (if applicable)
•  Number and type of packages
•  Net mass or volume of Class 6.1
•  Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 6.2 - infectious substances (biological hazard)⁸⁶

Substances of Class 6.2 contain live micro-organisms which could cause disease to humans or animals. They include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and other pathogens. Consignments may consist of infected products, decomposing organic material, diagnostic specimens, laboratory cultures, medical waste, clinical waste or non-sterile animal products.

Example: UN 2814, INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE, AFFECTING HUMANS

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 6.2 shipping document 

• UN Number 2814, UN Number 3373, UN 3291, or UN 3549
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 6.2
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass or volume of Class 6.2
• Gross mass
• The full address or the consignee
• Name and telephone number of a responsible person
• These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 7 - Radioactive material⁸⁷

Substances that produce radioactivity above specified levels must be declared as radioactive material for shipment by sea. This includes packages and other objects that have become contaminated by radioactive material. Class 7 labels indicate the level of radioactivity, and whether the consignment contains fissile material.

Regardless of the nature of the radioactive material inside the package, the amount of detectable radiation outside the package is strictly controlled. This is achieved by shielding built into the inner packaging. Construction and design of transport packaging for radioactive materials are subject to strict international scrutiny and agreement. Provided the consignment was packed under controlled conditions by qualified persons, it will be safe to handle in transport, but of course packages of radioactive materials must never be opened or repaired without qualified supervision. Preparation of Class 7 shipments is complex and subject to specialised procedures beyond the scope of this guide⁸⁸.

Example: UN 2977, RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL, URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE, FISSILE

Class 8 - Corrosive substances⁸⁹

Corrosive substances of Class 8 are those that destroy living tissue on contact. Certain corrosive materials corrode various metals, and some can corrode glass and earthenware. Some substances only become corrosive on contact with water or airborne moisture and form corrosive gases. Some corrosive substances react with organic materials to generate heat.

Class 8 substances include acids and alkalis that may react dangerously if mixed, requiring close attention to the IMDG Code segregation rules.

This class includes articles such as batteries that contain corrosive substances. Example: UN 1789, HYDROCHLORIC ACID

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 8 shipping document 

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 8
• Sub-hazard (if applicable)
• Packing group (I, II or III)
• Marine pollutant (if applicable)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass or volume of Class 8
• Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles (class 9) and environmentally hazardous substances⁹⁰

Substances and articles of Class 9 generally do not fit into any other class, but may present significant risk under certain circumstances.

Class 9 covers a wide range of hazards, including goods that are only hazardous under certain conditions. It includes:

• substances and articles not covered by other classes which experience has shown, or may show, to be of such a dangerous character that the provisions of part A of chapter VII of SOLAS 1974, as amended, must apply.
• substances not subject to the provisions of part A in chapter VII of SOLAS 1974, but subject to the provisions of Annex III of MARPOL 73/78, as amended (marine pollutants).

Class 9 sub-divisions 

The substances articles of class 9 are subdivided as follows: 

• Substances which, on inhalation as fine dust, may endanger health g. UN 2212, ASBESTOS, AMPHIBOLE
• Substances evolving flammable vapour g. UN 2211, POLYMERIC BEADS, EXPANDABLE, evolving flammable vapour
• Lithium batteries g. UN 3480, LITHIUM ION BATTERIES (including lithium ion polymer batteries)
• Ammonium nitrate based fertilizers g. UN2071, AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZE
• Capacitors g. UN 3499, CAPACITOR, ELECTRIC DOUBLE LAYER
• Life-saving appliances g. UN 2990, LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES, SELF-INFLATING
• Substances and articles which, in the event of fire, may form dioxins g. UN 3432 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS, SOLID
• Substances transported or offered for transport at elevated temperatures g. UN 3258, ELEVATED TEMPERATURE SOLID, N.O.S., at or above 240^°C
• Environmentally hazardous substances g. UN 3082, ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, N.O.S.
• Genetically modified microorganisms (GMMOs) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) g. UN 3245, GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS
• Other substances or articles presenting a danger during transport but not meeting the definitions of another class g. UN 3363, DANGEROUS GOODS IN ARTICLES

Environmentally hazardous substances (aquatic environment)⁹¹

Environmentally hazardous substances are liquid or solid substances which are pollutants to the aquatic environment and solutions and mixtures of such substances (such as preparations and wastes).

The classification criteria for environmentally hazardous substances (including solutions and mixtures) are detailed in depth in IMDG 2.9.3.2 to 2.9.3.4.

Note: For the purposes of the IMDG Code, the environmentally hazardous substances (aquatic environment) criteria contained in Chapter 2.9 apply to the classification of marine pollutants in Chapter 2.10 which we look at in the next section.

Lithium batteries⁹²

Lithium batteries are a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising many types of cathodes and electrolytes. There are two types covered in the IMDG Code:

Lithium metal batteries – these are generally primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. They are generally used to power devices such as watches, calculators etc

Lithium ion batteries – these are a secondary (rechargeable) battery where the lithium is only present in an ionic form in the electrolyte. They are generally used to power devices such as mobile telephones, laptops etc

Details forwarded by the shipper on a Class 9 shipping document 

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class 9
• Packing group I, II or III (if applicable)
• Number and type of packages
• Net mass or volume of Class 9
• Gross mass

These details must be verified by a signed declaration from the shipper.

-

⁶⁵ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.1

⁶⁶ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.2

⁶⁷ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2. 3

⁶⁸ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.4

⁶⁹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.5

⁷⁰ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.6

⁷¹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.7

⁷² IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.8

⁷³ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.9

⁷⁵ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.1.2

⁷⁶ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.2.2.1

⁷⁷ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.2.2.2

⁷⁸ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.2.2.3

⁷⁹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.3

⁸⁰ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.4.2

⁸¹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.4.3

⁸² IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.4.4

⁸³ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.5.2

⁸⁴ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.5.3

⁸⁵ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.6.2

⁸⁶ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.6.3

⁸⁷ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.7

⁸⁸ For the additional documentation requirements see IMDG Code, 2020 Edition Amendment 40-20, Section 5.4.1.5.7

⁸⁹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.8

⁹⁰ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Chapter 2.9

⁹¹ IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.9.3

⁹² IMDG Code, 2022 Edition Amendment 41-22, Section 2.9.4

Marine pollutants⁹³ are defined in the IMDG Code as substances which are subject to the provisions of Annex III of Marpol 73/78, as amended.

Many dangerous substances assigned to classes 1 to 6.2, 8 and 9 are also deemed to be marine pollutants i.e. substances which are harmful to the marine environment because of their tendency to bioaccumulate harmful toxins in living seafood; or their high toxicity to aquatic life.

Known marine pollutants are identified as such by the inclusion of a ‘P’ symbol in column 4 of the DGL and in the ‘MP’ column in the Index of the IMDG Code.

It is important to note however, that even if a substance is not marked with a ‘P’ in the DGL (or ‘MP’ in the Index) it does not mean it isn’t a pollutant; if it meets the criteria in IMDG 2.10.3 and 2.9.3 it must still be declared as a marine pollutant and shipped accordingly.

A marine pollutant which possesses properties of classes 1 to 8 must be classified (and identified) accordingly; if it doesn’t meet the criteria for assignment to classes 1 to 8, it must be offered for transport under class 9 using one of the following entries: ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, SOLID, N.O.S. UN 3077, or ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, N.O.S. UN 3082. When transporting marine pollutants the shipper must include “Marine Pollutant” on the transport document and the goods must be declared, documented, marked, labelled and placarded as a marine pollutant.

Note: there is an exemption from all provisions of the IMDG Code for substances classified as marine pollutants if the following conditions apply:

• Single packages or inner packages of combination packages do not exceed 5 litres for liquids or 5 kg for solids (equivalent to Limited Quantity provisions)
• Packaging must meet the general packaging provisions of IMDG Part 4
• The marine pollutant does not meet the classification criteria for any other hazard class.

It is important to note that when marine pollutants also meet the criteria for inclusion in another hazard class, all the provisions of the Code relevant to any additional hazard(s) continue to apply.

-

⁹³ IMDG Code, 2020 Edition Amendment 40-20, Section 2.0.1.2 and Chapter 2.10