The transportation of dangerous goods by sea is regulated internationally by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMDG Code is updated every two years and is voluntarily applicable in the first year after the publication of the new edition, becoming mandatory in the second year of its validity.
In detail, the IMDG Code regulates and provides requirements for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea, including criteria for classifying dangerous goods, packaging methods, conditions for transporting goods in bulk or tanks, marking and labeling of packages and transport units, preparation of transport documentation (Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form), types of tanks, containers, and vehicles suitable for maritime transport, segregation to ensure the separation of incompatible goods during maritime transport, and more.
We leverage the expertise of our consultants to provide a broad range of consulting services and specific training courses to meet the obligations outlined in the IMDG Code.
AIR TRANSPORT
The Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) by IATA is published by the International Air Transport Association and serves as the reference manual for all IATA-associated airlines. It incorporates the requirements from the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. While the IATA DGR is derived entirely from ICAO Technical Instructions, it includes, in some cases, more restrictive provisions. All parties involved in the shipment of dangerous goods by air—such as commercial airlines, shippers, ground handlers, carriers, and manufacturers—can benefit from using the IATA DGR.
The IATA, an airline association founded in Cuba in 1945 to ensure the homogeneous development of air transport, naturally mandates compliance with its regulations for member airlines. Given that these airlines represent 95% of global air traffic, it is easy to understand why the IATA DGR is more widely known and used than ICAO’s Technical Instructions.
Flashpoint is an Authorized Training Organization certified by the Italian Competent Authority (ENAC – Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile, Authorization Code: ENAC.DGTO.0005) to provide professional training on the air transport of dangerous goods. We can assist you in managing the air shipment of your dangerous goods, from preparing the Shipper’s Declaration to instructions for each product regarding packaging (selection of packaging, marking, and labeling of packages) and shipment in compliance with IATA regulations.