Customer Advisory: Upcoming Key Changes in the New IMDG Code Amendment 35

Dear Valued Customer,

The latest edition of the IMDG code (amendment 35) has been in voluntary effect since January 1st of 2011, and its terms and conditions will require mandatory compliance as of January 1st 2012.

We highlight two key changes below for your information and reference:

1)  Limited Quantity Marking for Containers:  The Limited Quantity Marking for a marine container has changed from the worded rectangular marking as shown below:

 

The new required Limited Quantity Marking is a diamond shape with upper and lower being black sections and the center section being white as shown.  The size (250mm x 250mm or 9.84in x 9.84in).  The marking must be displayed on all 4 sides of a container.


Reference: 3.4.5.5. IMDG Code

Containers arriving at cargo handling facilities with limited quantity dangerous goods cargo beginning January 1, 2012, and without the diamond shaped marking, will not be received.

2)  Vehicles or equipment powered by internal combustion engines, fuel cells, or batteries (UN3166):  This new entry under the IMDG code will cover a wide array of items such as motorcycles, automobiles, forklifts, tractors, aircraft, boats, or machinery with an engine that runs on gasoline diesel or flammable gas.

Special provision 961 of the IMDG code allows these items to be shipped as non DG if the following requirements are met:

1. There are no signs of leakage from the battery, engine, fuel cell, compressed gas cylinder or accumulator, or fuel tank when applicable;
2. The fuel tank(s) of the vehicle or equipment powered by a flammable liquid fuel is empty and installed batteries are protected from short circuit;
3. The fuel tank(s) of the vehicle or equipment powered by a flammable gas is emptied of liquefied or compressed gas, the positive pressure in the tank does not exceed 2 bar, the fuel shut-off or isolation valve is closed and secured, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit; or
4. The vehicle or equipment is solely powered by a wet or dry electronic storage battery or a sodium battery, and the battery is protected from short circuit.

Vehicles or equipment powered by internal combustion engines, fuel cells or batteries not meeting the conditions above must be declared as DG  (UN 3166, Class 9) and must meet the following requirements of special provision 962:

1. Vehicles and equipment shall not show signs of leakage from batteries, engines, fuel cells, compressed gas cylinders or accumulators, or fuel tank(s) when applicable;
2. For flammable liquid powered vehicles and equipment, the fuel tank(s) containing the flammable liquid must not be more than one-fourth full and in any case flammable liquid shall not exceed 250 liters (54.97 gallons);
3. For flammable gas powered vehicles and equipment, the fuel shut-off valve of the fuel tank(s) shall be securely closed;
4. Installed batteries shall be protected from damage, short circuit; and accidental activation during transport.  Lithium ion or lithium metal batteries shall meet the requirements of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3, unless otherwise approved by the competent authority; and
5. Dangerous goods required for the operation of the vehicle or equipment such as fire extinguishers, compressed gas accumulators, airbag inflators, etc.; shall be securely mounted in the vehicle or equipment.
6. The marking, labeling, and placarding provisions of this Code shall not apply.

Reference:  Dangerous Goods List UN 3166 and Special Provisions 961, 962 IMDG Code

Should you have any questions or require assistance with regards to this advisory or your shipment needs, please contact OOCL Customer Service in USA or Canada at 1-888-388-6625.