Policy & Compliance
Practical guidance to assist with IMDG Code compliance
Units (CTU Code) has been adopted as non- mandatory international law and is referenced from the IMDG Code. This guide will refer to the CTU Code as the definitive industry guidance document on how to pack and secure cargo of all types in cargo transport units. Reminders The document reminds those who transport and handle dangerous goods into cargo transport units of their responsibilities for classifying, packaging, declaring and documenting dangerous goods and of their legally binding duty to do so in accordance with the rules of the IMDG Code.
The latest amendment to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (42-24) became mandatory on 1 January 2026. BIFA Associate member TT Club has updated its joint Book it Right and Pack it Tight guide with UK P&I Club
A s years go by, serious incidents caused by or involving dangerous goods continue to occur, not only on ships but also in ports. Errors, mis- understandings,
The requirements for the training of shore- based personnel are also detailed and include general awareness/ familiarisation training, function specific training and safety training. The guide is illustrated throughout with clear photographs and diagrams for the avoidance of doubt and also includes easy-to- use tables and reference charts.
“ This guide is intended to support shippers, forwarders, shipping line booking staff and those who pack dangerous goods into cargo transport units for carriage by
misdeclarations and inadequate packing and securing lie at the heart of many of these incidents. As ultra-large containerships and the marine terminals they call at increase in size and capacity, the potential for economic, human and environmental accidents rise in proportion. This guide on the technical aspects of the IMDG Code is intended to support shippers, forwarders, shipping line booking staff and those who pack dangerous goods into cargo transport units for carriage by sea. Following an introduction, the guide is split into two parts – Part A: Processing a Dangerous Goods Consignment, and Part B: Reference and Classification. Processing a Dangerous Goods Consignment Part A of the guide breaks down the process of preparing and booking the cargo into the following steps, and looks at the
roles and requirements for the parties involved in each step: • Step 1: Classification of dangerous goods, • Step 2: Selection of packaging, • Step 3: Marking and labelling the packages, • Step 4: Preparing the transport document for booking with the shipping line, • Step 5: Applying the segregation rules, • Step 6: Packing the cargo transport unit, • Step 7: Producing the cargo transport unit packing certificate. Reference and Classi fi cation Part B provides background to the IMDG Code and references to further materials. The IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport
Book it Right and Pack it Tight is free to download from the TT Club website.
Useful links IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) CTU Code – a Quick Guide Cargo integrity - Loss Prevention
sea in the technical aspects of the IMDG Code.
www.bifa.org
January 2026 | 15
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