IMDG Code Supplement - 2026 Edition

This Supplement presents the publications associated with the IMDG Code that cover these aspects of the transport of dangerous goods.

The 2026 edition of the Supplement features:

• the Revised Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS Guide), taking into account Amendment 43-26 to the IMDG Code;
• the Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG);
• the Reporting procedures;
• the Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships;
• the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships (INF Code); and
• other appropriate resolutions and circulars pertaining to the transport of dangerous goods, including Guidelines for the implementation of the inspection programmes for cargo transport units (MSC.1/Circ.1649) and the List of non-exhaustive voluntary guidance on pest contamination (MSC.1/Circ.1650).

The IMDG Code Supplement should be of interest to maritime administrations, shipping companies, manufacturers, packers, shippers, feeder services such as road and rail, and port authorities.

Foreword
The EmS Guide
The EmS Guide – Contents
Foreword
Preamble
How to use this Guide
Fire
Spillage
Index
Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG)
Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG) – Contents
Foreword
Introduction
How to use this Guide
Tables
Appendix 1: RESCUE
Appendix 2: CPR (CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION)
Appendix 3: OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROLLED VENTILATION
Appendix 4: CHEMICAL-INDUCED DISTURBANCES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Appendix 5: CHEMICAL-INDUCED CONVULSIONS (SEIZURES, FITS)
Appendix 6: TOXIC MENTAL CONFUSION
Appendix 7: EYE EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
Appendix 8: SKIN EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
Appendix 9: INHALATION OF CHEMICALS
Appendix 10: INGESTION OF CHEMICALS
Appendix 11: SHOCK
Appendix 12: ACUTE KIDNEY FAILURE
Appendix 13: FLUID REPLACEMENT
Appendix 14 LIST OF MEDICINES AND EQUIPMENT
Appendix 15: LIST OF SUBSTANCES
Reporting procedures
Reporting procedures – Contents
Foreword
General principles for ship reporting systems and ship reporting requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants
Protocol I to MARPOL: Provisions concerning reports on incidents involving harmful substances (in accordance with article 8 of the Convention)
Article 8 of MARPOL: Reports on incidents involving harmful substances
Resolution MSC.550(108) adopted on 23 May 2024 Amendments to chapters II-2 and V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 1
Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships
Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships – Contents
Foreword
Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships (MSC.1/Circ.1358/Rev.1)
Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds (MSC.1/Circ.1264/Rev.1)
Revised recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo transport units (MSC.1/Circ.1361/Rev.1: 28 April 2022)
International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships (INF Code)
International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships (INF Code) – Contents
International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on board Ships (INF Code)
Appendix: IMO Assembly resolutions
Appendix: Resolutions and circulars related to the IMDG Code and Supplement – Contents
Resolution A.489(XII) adopted on 19 November 1981: Safe stowage and securing of cargo units and other entities in ships other than cellular containerships
Resolution A.533(13) adopted on 17 November 1983: Elements to be taken into account when considering the safe stowage and securing of cargo units and vehicles in ships
Resolution A.581(14) adopted on 20 November 1985: Guidelines for securing arrangements for the transport of road vehicles on ro-ro ships
Resolution A.854(20) adopted on 27 November 1997: Guidelines for developing shipboard emergency plans for ships carrying materials subject to the INF Code
Resolution A.984(24) adopted on 1 December 2005: Facilitation of the carriage of IMDG Code class 7 radioactive materials including those in packaged form used in medical or public health applications
Resolution A.1072(28) 1 adopted on 4 December 2013: Revised Guidelines for a structure of an integrated system of contingency planning for shipboard emergencies
Appendix: Resolutions of the Maritime Safety Committee
Resolution MSC.122(75) adopted on 24 May 2002: Adoption of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
Resolution MSC.123(75) adopted on 24 May 2002: Adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended
Resolution MSC.587(111) adopted on 21 May 2026 Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
Appendix: Circulars of the Maritime Safety Committee and of the Marine Environment Protection Committee
MSC/Circ.860 22 May 1998: Guidelines for the approval of offshore containers handled in open seas
MSC/Circ.1087 18 June 2003: Guidelines for partially weathertight hatchway covers on board containerships
MSC/Circ.1147 15 December 2004: Questionnaire on inspections of containers/vehicles carrying packaged dangerous goods
MSC.1/Circ.1188 22 May 2006: Guidelines on training and certification for port facility security officers
MSC.1/Circ.1266/Rev.1 17 September 2025: Carriage of dangerous goods
MSC.1/Circ.1341 27 May 2010: Guidelines on security-related training and familiarization for port facility personnel
MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2 7 December 2020: Revised guidelines for the preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual
MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.1 18 July 2006 Disposal of fumigant material
MSC.1/Circ.1440 1 June 2012: Illustrations of segregation of cargo transport units on board containerships and ro-ro ships
MSC.1/Circ.1649 20 May 2022 Guidelines for the implementation of the inspection programmes for cargo transport units
MSC.1/Circ.1650 20 May 2022: List of non-exhaustive voluntary guidance on pest contamination
Appendix: Resolution and circulars of the Facilitation Committee
Resolution FAL.14(46) 1 13 May 2022: Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965
FAL.6/Circ.12 11 July 2005: Difficulties encountered in the shipment of IMDG Code class 7 radioactive material and, in particular, cobalt-60
FAL.6/Circ.15 12 July 2006: Difficulties encountered in the shipment of dangerous cargoes and, in particular, sporting ammunition and related components (IMDG Code division 1.4S)
Appendix: Circulars of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers
CCC.1/Circ.3 30 October 2015: Revised guidance on the continued use of existing IMO type portable tanks and road tank vehicles for the transport of dangerous goods 1
CCC.1/Circ.7/Rev.1 3 July 2026: Requirements for reporting the loss of containers to the Organization pursuant to SOLAS regulations V/31 and V/32 and templates for use by masters when reporting loss or observation of drifting freight container(s) to coastal and flag States
DSC/Circ.4 4 April 1997: Reports on incidents involving dangerous goods or marine pollutants in packaged form on board ships or in port areas
DSC/Circ.8 24 July 2001: Incident reports involving dangerous cargoes
DSC/Circ.10 10 March 2003: Incident reports involving dangerous cargoes
DSC/Circ.11 30 April 2003: Ships carrying fumigated bulk cargoes
DSC/Circ.13 14 October 2003: Incident involving transport of ilmenite clay
DSC/Circ.23 23 January 2004: Incident reports involving lighters or lighter refills
DSC/Circ.26 7 October 2004: Incidents involving transport of zinc ingots
DSC/Circ.27 7 October 2004: Explosion in a cargo hold loaded with recycled aluminium
DSC.1/Circ.36 6 October 2005: Accidents involving transport of direct reduced iron fines

IMO

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.