Safety protocols in shipping, like the IMDG code, are not bureaucratic hurdles. On November 7, 2025, a container explosion aboard the MSC Kyparissia at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) claimed three lives. This tragedy in Malaysia demonstrates that such protocols are essential firewalls against operational disaster when shipping dangerous cargo. As the International Maritime Organization enforces Amendment 42-24 on 1st January, 2026, this guide outlines the mandatory changes you must implement to secure your supply chain.
Hard Deadline
The transition period is ending. Voluntary compliance began in early 2025, but the grace period expires soon. Mandatory enforcement commences on 1st January, 2026. From this date, carriers will reject non-compliant documentation and packaging without hesitation. Delays caused by outdated paperwork will cost both time and money.
New Classifications
Batteries
The 2026 amendment permanently alters how we classify modern energy storage. For example, sodium-ion batteries no longer fall under generic dangerous goods entries. They now hold their own specific UN numbers within Class 9.
- UN 3551
- Sodium-ion Batteries (Organic Electrolyte)
- UN 3552
- Sodium-ion Batteries Contained in Equipment
Electric Vehicles
The new amendment also changes electric vehicle classification radically. The generic UN 3171 entry is replaced for vehicles powered by specific battery types. Shippers must now use distinct codes for lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and sodium-ion powered vehicles.
- UN 3556
- Vehicle, Lithium-ion Battery Powered
- UN 3557
- Vehicle, Lithium-metal Battery Powered
- UN 3558
- Vehicle, Sodium-ion Battery Powered
Strict Controls on Carbon and Charcoal
Fires on container ships remain a top industry concern. Consequently, the IMO has tightened rules for shipping carbon and charcoal (UN 1361). Special Provision 925, which previously allowed for easier exemptions, has been removed. All carbon shipments now fall under stricter scrutiny to prevent spontaneous combustion at sea.
Shippers of carbon must now declare three specific data points on the transport document:
- The date of production
- The date of packaging
- The temperature of the material at the time of packaging
Documentation and Stowage Updates
General documentation standards have also tightened. If your cargo utilizes an exemption certificate, that physical certificate must now accompany the transport documents. It is no longer sufficient to merely reference it. Additionally, stowage plans must now explicitly list both primary and subsidiary hazards. This ensures the vessel’s crew understands the full risk profile of every container on board.
Freight Forwarding
Navigating these new safety protocols requires constant vigilance. However, most exporters cannot dedicate internal teams solely to regulatory monitoring. This is where a specialized freight forwarder becomes a critical asset. These experts help shippers absorb the complexity of the IMDG Code updates. Consequently, the businesses can remain focused on sales rather than legal texts. In essence, competent logistics partners ensure that the cargo moves without administrative friction.
Summary
Amendment 42-24 demands immediate attention before the January 2026 deadline. Shippers must adopt the new UN numbers for battery-powered vehicles. Simultaneously, strict reporting for carbon and charcoal shipments is now mandatory. Ignoring these documentation and stowage changes invites severe operational risks. Compliance is the only path to uninterrupted global trade.
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