Special Provisions

The final section in Part 5 is Chapter 5.5, Special Provisions. Provisions pertaining to two specific situations are covered in this chapter. The first of these is applicable to fumigated cargo transport units. A "fumigated cargo transport unit" contains goods or materials that either are being or have been fumigated within the unit. The fumigant gases used are either toxic or suffocating and the unit must be sealed so that fumigant loss is minimal. When the unit does not carry dangerous goods, it is classified as UN 3359 and subject only to the special provisions under Section 5.5.2. If the unit is carrying dangerous goods, the IMDG Code rules for that good apply in addition to these provisions. Fumigated transport units must be clearly marked and placarded according to the provisions under 5.5.2.3. Special documentation must be provided regarding the fumigation. Several additional provisions, including a waiting period before on-boarding, must be observed for fumigated cargo transport units as well.

The second situation for which provisions are outlined pertains to packages and cargo transport units containing substances that present a risk of asphyxiation when used for cooling or conditioning purposes. Some examples are nitrogen and argon as a refrigerated liquids and dry ice. Note that these provisions apply when the substance itself is not a consignment of dangerous goods, but is being used to cool and condition another product. Specific provisions are given under 5.5.3.2 for marking packages and cargo transport units, packing cargo transport units when dry ice is present, and adhering to documentation requirements.

To learn more about IMDG visit our International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Online Training web page.