NCB issues reminder about IMDG Code compliance

NCB issues reminder about IMDG Code compliance    The National Cargo Bureau Inc., a New York-based non-profit provider of cargo surveying and safety training services, released an advisory Tuesday reminding shippers and shipowners that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code will become mandatory Jan. 1, along with new hazmat amendments.
   “Although the code has been in existence for about 40 years, this is the first time that its provisions must be adhered to on shipments. What was ‘recommendatory’ has now become ‘legal’ and subject to port state control enforcement,” said Capt. Sam Rogers, chief of liner activities at NCB.
   The United States has incorporated the Code’s provisions regarding hazardous materials into federal law.
   A number of new stipulations in the code go into effect Jan. 1, including changes to limited quality limits and markings, index changes, new shipping paper requirements, new packaging instruction for gases, and marking, labeling, placarding and documentation requirements for hazmat cargoes.