IMDG Code: What’s Required in 2026

Which IMDG Code Should I Use and When Does It Expire?

If you are shipping dangerous goods by sea, you are probably familiar with the IMDG Code dangerous goods regulations. The IMDG Code provides us with a uniform international code for the transport of dangerous goods by sea covering such matters as packaging, labeling, placarding, and container stowage with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances. Now that it is 2026, you may be questioning which version of the IMDG Code you should be using, as the most recent one was published back in 2024. The answer is simple, but the way the IMDG Code amendment cycle is handled is a bit different than other International dangerous goods regulations.

IATA VS IMDG Code

IATA makes it nice and simple, new year, new edition. For example, as of January 1^{st, 2026}, the 67^th edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations is now effective until December 31, 2026. The previous 66^th version is no longer effective as 2025 has ended. The IMDG code is a bit different. The current version, known as Amendment 42-24, was adopted in May of 2024. When this current edition was adopted, you had the option to use it on a voluntary basis starting on January 1^st, 2025. Throughout 2025, you had the choice to use the previous version (41-22) or the newest version (42-24) of the IMDG code. As of January 1^st, 2026, the 2024 version (42-24) became mandatory. The simple answer is you must now use the IMDG code 42-24, as it is the most current version and is now mandatory.

What about the Future?

The next IMDG code will be called 43-26. If the cycle continues the way it has, the new amendment will be adopted sometime in 2026, you will have the option to voluntarily use it in 2027, and it will become mandatory in 2028. Sound familiar? IMO has created this chart to clarify.