IMDG packing instructions and special provisions
- Packaging instructions for Classes 1-9 are subdivided into three categories: Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), large packagings, and packagings other than IBCs or large packaging.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code provides packing instructions for dangerous goods in hazard classes 1 through 9. Packing instructions show the acceptable packagings that are authorized for a dangerous good. For combination packagings, the packing instructions list the acceptable outer packagings, inner packagings and when applicable, the maximum permitted quantity in each inner or outer packaging.
The packaging instructions are subdivided into three subsections according to the type of packaging being used and are designated by a code. The codes are alphanumeric, and the code prefix designates what package it is intended for. The packing instructions are detailed in IMDG Code Section 4.1.4.
| Code Prefix | Description |
|---|---|
| P | Packagings other than IBCs and large packagings. Found in Column 8 of the Dangerous Goods List. |
| IBC | Intermediate bulk container (IBC). Found in Column 10 of the of the Dangerous Goods List. |
| LP | Large Packagings. Found in Column 8 of the Dangerous Goods List. |
Any packing instruction left blank or does not contain a code means that type of packaging is not authorized.
Special provisions may also be specified in the packing instruction for individual substances or articles. They provide additional guidance or requirements when packaging substances or articles. Special provisions are also designated by an alphanumeric code comprising the letters.
| Code Prefix | Description |
|---|---|
| PP | Packagings other than IBCs and large packagings. Found in Column 9 of the Dangerous Goods List. |
| B | Intermediate bulk container (IBC). Found in Column 11 of the of the Dangerous Goods List. |
| L | Large Packagings. Found in Column 9 of the Dangerous Goods List. |
Typically, packing instructions do not provide guidance on compatibility. The shipper is responsible for checking that the substance is compatible with the packaging material selected (such as, most fluorides are unsuitable for glass receptacles). Where glass receptacles are permitted in the packing instructions, porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware packagings are also allowed.
Example: For UN1789, Hydrochloric Acid, PG II, the Dangerous Goods List shows packing instructions are P001 for single/combination packages, IBC02 for intermediate bulk containers and does not list any packing instruction for large packagings. The special provisions are B20.