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The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO's work supports the UN sustainable development goals.
Scope
The IMO has 175 member states and three associate members. All members and anyone shipping hazardous materials/dangerous goods through a member's territorial waters must follow rules and regulations set forth by the IMO.
Regulatory citations
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
Key definitions
- Article: A particular item or object that contains a dangerous substance.
- Stowage: The act of placing dangerous goods on board a vessel.
Summary of requirements
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes the IMDG Code. The IMDG Code contains the requirements for international dangerous goods shipments by water (vessel). The IMDG Code lays down basic principles on the transport of dangerous goods by vessel. It contains detailed recommendations for individual substances, materials and articles and several recommendations for good operational practice, including advice on terminology, packing, labelling, stowage, segregation and handling and emergency response action.
See IMDG Code for more information on this topic.