IMO Classes for Dangerous Goods

IMO Classes Class 1. Explosives Class 2. Gases Class 3. Flammable Liquids Class 4.1. Flammable Solids or Substances Class 4.2. Flammable solids Class 4.3. Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases Class 5.1. Oxidizing substances (agents) by yielding oxygen increase the risk and intensity of fire Class 5.2. Organic peroxides - most will burn rapidly and are sensitive to impact or friction Class 6.1. Toxic substances Class 6.2. Infectious substances Class 7. Radioactive Substances Class 8. Corrosives Class 9. Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

The Carriage of dangerous goods and marine pollutants in sea-going ships is respectively regulated in the International Convention for the Safety of the Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

Relevant parts of both SOLAS and MARPOL have been worked out in great detail and are included in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, thus making this Code the legal instrument for maritime transport of dangerous goods and marine pollutants. As of 1st January 2004, the IMDG Code will become a mandatory requirement.

Classification of dangerous goods

For all modes of transport (sea, air, rail, road and inland waterways) the classification (grouping) of dangerous goods, by type of risk involved, has been drawn up by the UNITED NATIONS Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN).