The IMO has adopted the amendment 39-18 to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. It will enter into force globally on 1 January 2019, with a twelve month "transitional period" until 31 December 2019.
From 1 January 2019, until 31 December 2019 dangerous goods and marine pollutants in packaged form shall be shipped either:
- According to the mandatory IMDG Code 2016 Edition incorporating Amendment 38-16;
- According to with the IMDG Code 2018 Edition incorporating Amendment 39-18.
In addition, from 1 January 2020 dangerous goods and marine pollutants in packaged form should be shipped only based on the IMDG Code 2018 Edition incorporating Amendment 39-18.
All persons involved in the transport and preparation for transport of dangerous goods under the provisions of the IMDG Code must comply with the changes brought about by the amendment.