Major Amendments to IMDG Code – New SP980 and Updates to SP961 & SP962

At IMO CCC 11 and E&T 43, substantial changes were agreed to the IMDG Code regarding the transport of vehicles, including those powered by traditional fuels, hybrids, and lithium batteries.

The newly introduced Special Provision 980 and amendments to SP961 and SP962 aim to enhance safety and clarity in vehicle transport regulations.

Highlights include:

• SP980: Prohibits transport of unsafe vehicles and mandates safety checks by consignors.
• SP961: Updated exemption criteria for vehicles in designated spaces or with specific fuel/battery configurations.
• SP962: Applies to vehicles not meeting SP961 conditions, with stricter requirements for fuel levels and battery protection.

These changes will be formalized in IMDG Amendment 43-26, with voluntary implementation from January 2027 and mandatory enforcement from January 2028.

To read the full summary document CLICK HERE