RESOLUTION MSC.575(110) (adopted on 26 June 2025)

The IMSBC Code 8th Amendment (IMO Resolution MSC.575(110)) will enter into force on 1 January 2027.

Key Changes

1. Section 9.3.3 – Segregation between bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and dangerous goods in packaged form – Table in 9.3.3 is amended.
2. Section 13 – References to related information and recommendations – 13.2 Reference list is amended.
3. The following 11 existing cargo schedules have been amended:
   

• ALUMINIUM FERROSILICON POWDER UN 1395.
• ALUMINIUM SILICON POWDER, UNCOATED UN 1398.
• ALUMINIUM SMELTING BY-PRODUCTS or ALUMINIUM REMELTING BY-PRODUCTS UN 3170.
• CASTOR BEANS or CASTOR MEAL or CASTOR POMACE or CASTOR FLAKE UN 2969.
• DIRECT REDUCED IRON (A), Briquettes, hot-moulded.
• DIRECT REDUCED IRON (B), Lumps, pellets, cold-moulded briquettes.
• FERROSILICON UN 1408 with 30% or more but less than 90% silicon (including briquettes).
• FERROSILICON with at least 25% but less than 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon.
• FERROUS METAL BORINGS, SHAVINGS, TURNINGS or CUTTINGS UN 2793 in a form liable to self-heating.
• FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED Anti-oxidant treated.
• IRON ORE PELLETS.

4. The following 11 cargo schedules have been added:

• ALUMINIUM SULPHATE GRANULAR.
• APATITE CONCENTRATE.
• ASPHALT GRANULATES.
• CRUSHED GRANODIORITE, COARSE.
• FERRIC SULPHATE GRANULAR.
• FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED.
• IRON ORE BRIQUETTES.
• PEA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE PELLETS.
• PHOSPHATE ROCK FINES (uncalcined).
• TUFF, COARSE.
• ZINC SLAG (coarse).

5. Appendices 3, 4 and 5 have been amended to reflect changes to cargoes listed in points 3 and 4 above.

Impact on Members

Members should review whether their vessel’s IMSBC Code Certificate of Compliance or Statement of Compliance covers the newly introduced or revised cargo schedules.

Where newly listed cargoes are intended to be loaded following actions might be required:

1. Amendment to or re-issuance of the IMSBC Code Certificate of Compliance or Statement of Compliance may be required.
2. Additional construction, equipment or survey requirements may apply depending on the cargo classification and vessel type.
3. Existing certificates issued under the previous amendment may not automatically cover newly introduced cargoes.

Fixed Fire Extinguishing System Exemptions

The following cargoes have been added to the list of cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system exemption may be available:

1. Aluminium Sulphate Granular.
2. Castor Beans (UN 2969).
3. Ferric Sulphate Granular.

Members intending to carry these cargoes should recheck their ships existing exemption certificates and as these may require amendment or re-issuance.

Conclusion:

The IMSBC Code 8th Amendment introduces several new and revised cargo schedules that may affect vessel certification and carriage requirements. Members involved in the bulk trades should review the amendments well before 1 January 2027 to avoid delays, certification issues, PSC deficiencies or other commercial issues.

References

IMO Resolution MSC.575(110) – IMSBC Code 8th Amendment.

https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/meetingsummaries/pages/msc-110th-session.aspx