Safe carriage of mill scale and mill scale fines - new IMSBC schedule becoming mandatory in 2017 Introduction Mill scale and mill scale fines (herewith referred to only as mill scale) are brittle flakes consisting mainly of iron oxides, derived as by-products from steel manufacturing. The product can be reused as a feedstock in steel production and is therefore collected from various sources and shipped as a bulk commodity once sufficient quantities have been piled up. Diligent members are advised to take note of the multiple potential pitfalls associated with carrying this particular product. Classification Mill scale is currently not a listed cargo with a Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN) in the IMSBC Code. This is problematic, as it leads some shippers and carriers to believe that it can be carried without heed to the IMSBC Code. However, it is specified in section 1.3 of the Code that unlisted cargoes may only be carried if they have been certified by the competent authority in the country of loading. For hazardous cargoes (Group A or Group B), the authorities of the flag state and the country of unloading will also have to be consulted. The classification issue will soon be remedied, as a new schedule for "Scale generated from the iron and steel making process" will become mandatory in 2017. The product will then be listed with a proper BCSN in the IMSBC Code and will be classified as a Group A cargo. As of 1 January 2016, the new schedule can already be applied by IMO member governments at their discretion, as an alternative to Section 1.3 certification. Characteristics As mill scale is a quite uncommon cargo, knowledge of its qualities is scarce. However, for practical purposes, the cargo can be compared with iron ore fines. It possesses a Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) and is liable to liquefy and/or form a wet base unless appropriate measures are taken. The IMSBC Code Appendix 3 indicates that any fine-grained, damp granular bulk cargo should be tested fo