IMDG Code 2026

Dangerous goods shipping, a key component of Australia’s economy, is governed by a globally recognized document – the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Come 2026, mandatory enforcement of its latest amendment begins. To ensure continuity in the new year, Australian exporters shipping to Singapore, Vietnam, and other destinations must align their operations now to prevent cargo detention. In this article, we cover the latest regulation changes.

Amendment 42-24

Adopted in May 2024, this amendment introduces significant tightening of regulations regarding batteries (lithium and sodium-ion) and carbon/charcoal. It also introduces 11 new UN numbers.

• Voluntary Compliance Date: 1 January, 2025
• Mandatory Compliance Date: 1 January, 2026
• Transition Period: Throughout 2025, shippers may use either Amendment 41-22 or 42-24, but from 1 January, 2026, usage of Amendment 42-24 is strictly mandatory.

Major Changes

Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-Ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that utilizes sodium ions instead of lithium. These offer lower cost, better safety, and supply chain resilience due to abundant materials.

Previously unregulated, sodium-ion batteries have been official brought into the code to mirror the existing controls for their lithium counterparts.

• New Classification
  • They are now Class 9.
• New UN Numbers
  • UN 3551
    • SODIUM ION BATTERIES with organic electrolyte.
  • UN 3552
    • SODIUM ION BATTERIES CONTAINED IN EQUIPMENT or PACKED WITH EQUIPMENT (with organic electrolyte).
  • Marking
    • Packages must bear the standard lithium battery mark (modified to cover sodium-ion) and Class 9 labels.
  • Life-Saving Appliances
    • Updates to SP296 clarify that life-saving appliances (like life vests/rafts) may now contain sodium-ion batteries.

Electric Vehicles

Previously, many EVs were lumped under generic UN numbers (like UN 3171). In 2026, exporters must now use one of the newly created entries below:

• UN 3556
  • VEHICLE, LITHIUM ION BATTERY POWERED.
• UN 3557
  • VEHICLE, LITHIUM METAL BATTERY POWERED.
• UN 3558
  • VEHICLE, SODIUM ION BATTERY POWERED.
• Stowage
  • Vehicles with these batteries must generally be stowed in a way that prevents damage. If they are enclosed in crates that hide the vehicle, they require full marking/placarding.

Carbon & Charcoal

Charcoal and carbon exports now face rigorous new scrutiny to prevent cargo fires. Such cargo was previously exempted under Special Provision 925. In 2026, this has been replaced by Special Provision 978, which mandates strict weathering and packaging standards.

For UN 1361 (Carbon) and UN 1362 (Activated Carbon), the transport document must include:

• Date of production
• Date of packaging
• Temperature of the material at the time of packaging
• Stowage
  • Carbon is now subject to Class 4 stowage provisions, requiring stricter ventilation and heat monitoring.

New UN Numbers

The 11 new UN numbers added to the Dangerous Goods List (DGL) are as follows:

Action Required

In light of the impending developments, supply chain managers must execute the following steps before January 2026:

Update Material Safety Data Sheets

Documents citing the expiring 41-22 standard become invalid on January 1. Hence, the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are your first compliance check. Audit and make sure that your documents reflect the latest amendment(s).

Further Reading: What Is An MSDS?

Update Internal Systems

Exporters utilizing logistics software should check its manual dataset. Make sure that it recognizes the 11 new UN numbers, and that the descriptions print correctly.

For Carbon Shippers

Exporters of charcoal or carbon black should implement temperature testing at the time of packaging and record it on all shipping documents.

For Battery Shippers

Sodium-ion batteries and vehicles now require specific identification codes. Hence, stop using generic classifications for these goods immediately.

Note: Exporters who are still unsure of which code to use may reach out to professionals like freight forwarders to guide them through the process.

Further Reading: Choosing A Dangerous Goods Shipper

Conclusion

In the world of dangerous goods shipping, compliance protects your profit margins. Make sure to keep in line with the latest amendments, especially if you are shipping affected cargo.

Professional freight forwarders like Arc Freights actively monitors these regulatory shifts to keep your cargo moving. We ensure your documentation meets the 2026 standards before the ship leaves Sydney or Melbourne.

Arc Freights is Australia’s leading Freight Forwarder offering QUALITY & RELIABLE logistics services in more than 140 countries. Having plied our expertise in ASEAN for nearly two decades, we are the trusted partner for logistics between Australia and Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With expert knowledge, advanced technology, and a commitment to reliability, we provide seamless logistics management, including door-to-door sea freight services, that helps you focus on what matters most—growing your business.