Shipping dangerous goods internationally by vessel is regulated through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The IMO uses the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations Code (IMDG Code) as the basis for international enforcement of dangerous goods transportation by vessel. These regulations are amended every two years with each amendment valid for three years.
IMO Shipper’s Declaration is the form used to describe hazardous materials in a container or shipping on a vessel. The IMO shippers declaration form is mandatory for shipments of dangerous goods by sea under the International Maritime Organization regulations.
The shipper must certify that the contents are fully and accurately described by proper shipping name, are classified, packed, marked and labeled, and are in all respects in the proper condition for transport according to the applicable regulations.
