IMDG Code: 2026 Amendment
Dangerous Goods (DG) shipping is crucial for the U.S. economy as it moves essential, often high-value, products (chemicals, batteries, tech components) that drive exports. Here, strict adherence to regulations is non-negotiable. Improper handling risks injury, property damage, environmental harm, and more. Come 2026, enforcement of the latest amendment to the IMDG code kicks in. This article details the major changes, helping exporters manage their shipments to Singapore, Vietnam, and beyond.
What Is The IMDG Code
The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) is the global standard for safely transporting hazardous materials by sea freight. Developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it protects people, property, and the environment from risks like flammability, toxicity, and corrosivity. It is typically updated biennially to reflect new knowledge and improve safety. The latest update is also referred to as Amendment 42-24.
Major Changes For 2026
Classification (Batteries & Vehicles)
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) currently dominate the market. However, supply chain disruptions and material price volatility have exposed the need to diversify battery technologies and material choices. Enter sodium-ion batteries, one of the most promising emerging alternatives.
To reflect the rapidly advancing development, Amendment 42-24 introduces new, specific UN numbers. This distinguishes between different types of battery-powered vehicles and sodium-ion technologies.
Sodium-Ion Batteries
Now officially classified under Class 9. UN 3551 covers sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolytes, while UN 3552 covers sodium-ion batteries contained in equipment or packed with equipment (with organic electrolytes).
Battery-Powered Vehicles
Three new UN entries replace the generic use of UN 3171 for these specific vehicle types. UN 3556, 3557, and 3558 cover vehicles powered by lithium-ion, lithium metal, and sodium-ion batteries respectively.
Note: These entries apply to vehicles powered by these batteries. Hybrid vehicles or those with other fuel cells may still fall under different classifications (e.g., UN 3166 or UN 3171).
Explosives & Desensitized Substances
- UN 3555
- Added to the list of liquid desensitized explosives (Class 3).
- Class 1 (Explosives)
- Updates to the list of varying entries and packing methods to align with UN Model Regulations.
Operation (Carbon & Charcoal (UN 1361))
This is one of the most operationally significant changes for 2026. The amendment tightens safety controls to prevent cargo fires.
Special Provision (SP)
Amendment 42-24 introduces SP 978, replacing SP 925, which exempted carbon from being labelled as hazardous. The new rule has stricter requirements for weathering, packaging, and transport.
Mandatory Documentation
Shippers must now declare three specific data points on the transport document:
- Date of production
- Date of packaging
- Temperature of the material at the time of packaging
New UN Numbers
The 11 new UN numbers added to the Dangerous Goods List (DGL) are as follows:
| UN Number | Proper Shipping Name | Class | Description |
| UN 0514 | FIRE SUPPRESSANT DISPERSING DEVICES | 1.4S | Explosive based fire suppression |
| UN 3551 | SODIUM ION BATTERIES | 9 | With organic electrolyte |
| UN 3552 | SODIUM ION BATTERIES (IN/WITH EQUIPMENT) | 9 | With organic electrolyte |
| UN 3553 | DISILANE | 2.1 | Pyrophoric gas; ignites spontaneously in air |
| UN 3554 | GALLIUM CONTAINED IN MANUFACTURED ARTICLES | 8 | Gallium is corrosive to aluminum; prohibited on aluminum vessels |
| UN 3555 | TRIFLUOROMETHYLTETRAZOLE SODIUM SALT IN ACETONE | 3 | Desensitized explosive |
| UN 3556 | VEHICLE, LITHIUM ION BATTERY POWERED | 9 | Specific entry for Li-ion EVs |
| UN 3557 | VEHICLE, LITHIUM METAL BATTERY POWERED | 9 | Specific entry for Li-metal EVs |
| UN 3558 | VEHICLE, SODIUM ION BATTERY POWERED | 9 | Specific entry for Na-ion EVs |
| UN 3559 | FIRE SUPPRESSANT DISPERSING DEVICES | 9 | Non-explosive actuation |
| UN 3560 | TETRAMETHYLAMMONIUM HYDROXIDE AQUEOUS SOL. | 6.1 | Toxic/Corrosive (Reclassified from Class 8) |
Conclusion
Carriers will enforce Amendment 42-24 starting January 1 without exception. Exporters would do well to update classifications for batteries and carbon immediately. Consequently, a single documentation error stops your exports cold. This results in expensive demurrage and supply chain delays.
Express Freight Management prevents these disruptions through rigorous verification. We oversee the entire door-to-door process to ensure strict compliance. Contact us to keep your hazardous cargo moving seamlessly.
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