Loss Prevention 30 Sep, 2024 SOLAS - Amendments to the IMDG Code (Amendment 42-24) Emma MacCarthy Loss Prevention Officer In May 2024, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted the amendments to the IMDG Code contained in Resolution MSC.556(108) Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code .  Download PDF Contracting governments will be apply the new requirements, in part or in whole, on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2025. Compliance with these amendments will become mandatory on 1 January 2026. However, some existing provisions concerning labelling and warning marks may continue to be applied until 31 December 2026. The MSC have also prepared a revised consolidated version of the Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS Guide). Key amendments and their implications Lithium Batteries One of the most noteworthy changes is the large increase of references to lithium batteries. Including that articles that may contain lithium cells or batteries are now under the classification of articles containing dangerous goods N.O.S (Not Otherwise Specified). The amendments stipulate that lithium cells and batteries must meet the testing requirements of the Manual of Tests and Criteria, including pre-production prototypes transported for testing. Packaging Requirements New packaging requirements have been introduced for these articles. If a lithium battery installed in an article is damaged or defective, it must be removed, and special packaging instructions must be followed. Vehicles containing such batteries must comply with Special Provisions (SP376) unless otherwise approved by a competent authority. New Additions to Class 9 - Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods The amendments introduce new entries to Class 9: 3556 VEHICLE, LITHIUM ION BATTERY POWERED 3557 VEHICLE, LITHIUM METAL BATTERY POWERED Packaging Instructions Vehicles equipped with lithium batteries can now be transported without packaging, provided they can re