- The list now runs UN 0004 to UN 3564 after IMDG Amendment 42-24 – the 3500s carry sodium-ion and battery-vehicle entries.
- UN3536 (BESS), UN3551/3552 (sodium-ion) and UN3556-3558 (battery vehicles) all sit in the 3500s block – the fastest-growing DG segment.
- Each entry fixes your packaging instruction and segregation: look up the UN number, not the class, to build the shipment.
In this guide
If you are shipping dangerous goods by sea, the single most important document you will reference is the IMDG Dangerous Goods List – the master table inside the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code that tells you exactly how to classify, pack, mark, label and document every hazardous substance or article that moves in a container or on a vessel. This page walks through what the list contains, how UN numbers are structured across the nine dangerous goods classes, how to look up a proper shipping name, and what changed in the latest mandatory edition that took effect on 1 January 2026.
The IMDG Code is the mandatory international framework for maritime transport of dangerous goods in packaged form, adopted under the SOLAS Convention [source: www.imo.org]. Chapter 3.2 of the Code contains the Dangerous Goods List – a table of several thousand entries, each built around a four-digit UN number, a Proper Shipping Name (PSN), a primary hazard class (and often one or more subsidiary risks), packing group, special provisions, packing instructions, and stowage and segregation requirements [source: www.imorules.com]. For any DG exporter or freight forwarder compliance officer, this list is not optional reading – it is the legal basis for your shipping declaration.
The page covers the IMDG Dangerous Goods List structure, the imdg code maritime dangerous goods classification framework, how UN number ranges map to dangerous goods classes, a detailed breakdown of all nine dangerous goods classes with examples, and a dedicated look at class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods – the catch-all category that increasingly covers lithium batteries, dry ice, asbestos and environmentally hazardous substances. We also cover how to look up an entry, common mistakes, and the mandatory 42-24 amendment that became enforceable in 2026.
What Is the IMDG Dangerous Goods List?
The IMDG Dangerous Goods List (also referred to as the Dangerous Goods List or DGL) is the core reference table in Part 3, Chapter 3.2 of the IMDG Code. It assigns a unique United Nations (UN) number to each dangerous good or article that is permitted for maritime transport, along with the legally required shipping name, hazard classification, packaging provisions and stowage requirements [source: www.imorules.com].
The list is structured as a multi-column table – the current edition uses 18 columns that cover everything from the UN number to emergency schedules [source: mobilit.belgium.be]. The key columns that every shipper must understand are:
- Column 1: UN Number – a four-digit identifier (e.g., UN 1263 for paint, UN 3082 for environmentally hazardous substances) assigned by the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods [source: mobilit.belgium.be].
- Column 2: Proper Shipping Name (PSN) – the official name that must appear on shipping documents, shown in upper-case characters. For example, "KETONES, LIQUID, N.O.S." (UN 1268) or "PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, N.O.S." [source: mobilit.belgium.be].
- Column 3: Class or Division – the primary hazard class (1 through 9, with divisions for Class 1 and Class 2) [source: www.imorules.com].
- Column 4: Subsidiary Risk(s) – any additional hazard classes that apply, plus a "P" marker if the substance is a marine pollutant [source: www.imorules.com].
- Column 5: Packing Group – I, II or III, indicating the degree of danger (I = highest, III = lowest) [source: www.imorules.com].
- Column 7a: Limited Quantities – the maximum quantity per inner packaging for transport under the limited quantities exemption [source: www.imorules.com].
- Column 7b: Excepted Quantities – an alphanumeric code for the maximum quantity per inner and outer packaging under the excepted quantities provisions [source: www.imorules.com].
- Column 8: Packing Instructions – references to the specific packing provisions that must be followed [source: www.imorules.com].
The Dangerous Goods List is not static. It is updated every two years through amendments adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee. The current mandatory edition is the 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24), which entered into force on 1 January 2026 and replaced the previous 41-22 edition [source: www.imo.org]. Amendment 42-24 added 11 new dangerous goods entries to the list and amended 58 existing entries [source: www.54seaman.com]. One significant change: sodium-ion batteries received their own dedicated classification codes, and the previous single UN 3171 entry for battery-powered vehicles was refined into more specific classifications [source: www.54seaman.com].
For DG exporters, this means that relying on an older printed edition or an outdated internal database is a compliance risk. The mandatory date was 1 January 2026 with no transition period [source: www.imo.org]. If your shipping documentation refers to a UN number, PSN or packing group that was changed in the 42-24 amendment, your cargo may be rejected at the port of loading or flagged during customs clearance.
UN Number Ranges by Class: How the IMDG Dangerous Goods List Organises Entries
| Class | Hazard Category | Typical UN Number Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Explosives | UN 0001–0500 | UN 0303 (ammunition, smoke), UN 0153 (glycerol trinitrate) |
| Class 2 | Gases | UN 1001–1079 | UN 1002 (air, compressed), UN 1006 (argon, compressed), UN 1046 (helium, compressed), UN 1072 (oxygen, compressed) [source: webarchiveweb.wayback.bac-lac.canada.ca] |
| Class 3 | Flammable liquids | UN 1089–1300 | UN 1268 (ketones, liquid, N.O.S.), UN 1987 (petroleum distillates, N.O.S.), UN 1203 (petrol/gasoline) [source: mobilit.belgium.be; v5ultimate.com] |
| Class 4 | Flammable solids / spontaneously combustible / dangerous when wet | UN 1300s | UN 1325 (flammable solid, organic, N.O.S.), UN 1326 (hafnium powder, wetted) [source: umwelt-online.de; v5ultimate.com] |
| Class 5 | Oxidising substances and organic peroxides | UN 1400s | UN 1495 (sodium chlorate), UN 2014 (hydrogen peroxide 20–60%) [source: v5ultimate.com] |
| Class 6 | Toxic and infectious substances | UN 1500s–1600s | UN 1098 (allyl alcohol), UN 2810 (toxic liquid, organic, N.O.S.) [source: oocl.com; mobilit.belgium.be] |
| Class 7 | Radioactive material | UN 2900s | Various radioactive substances |
| Class 8 | Corrosive substances | UN 1700s–1900s | UN 1789 (hydrochloric acid), UN 1830 (sulphuric acid >51%), UN 2794 (batteries, wet, filled with acid) [source: v5ultimate.com] |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous dangerous goods | UN 2200s, 3000s, 3400s | UN 2212 (asbestos, amphibole), UN 2590 (white asbestos), UN 3077 (environmentally hazardous substance, solid, N.O.S.), UN 3082 (environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, N.O.S.), UN 3090 (lithium metal batteries), UN 3480 (lithium ion batteries) [source: imorules.com; v5ultimate.com] |
The IMDG Dangerous Goods List assigns UN numbers in broad numerical ranges that loosely correspond to the nine dangerous goods classes. While the ranges are not perfectly contiguous – and new UN numbers are added with each amendment – understanding the general pattern helps you narrow down a search when you know the hazard class but not the exact UN number.
The UN number system covers a range from UN 0004 to UN 3564 [source: v5ultimate.com]. The major class-based ranges include:
The imdg code maritime dangerous goods classification system assigns each entry to one primary class based on the predominant hazard. However, many substances carry subsidiary risks – for example, UN 2014 (hydrogen peroxide 20–60%) is Class 5.1 (oxidising) with a subsidiary risk of Class 8 (corrosive) [source: v5ultimate.com]. The Dangerous Goods List shows these subsidiary risks in Column 4, and they determine additional labelling, segregation and stowage requirements.
A practical point for procurement and compliance teams: the UN number alone does not tell you everything. You must also confirm the Proper Shipping Name (Column 2) and the Packing Group (Column 5). Two different substances can share the same UN number if they fall under a generic or "N.O.S." (not otherwise specified) entry – for example, UN 1993 covers "FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S." across Packing Groups I, II and III [source: v5ultimate.com]. The specific PSN and PG determine the exact packaging, labelling and quantity limits that apply to your shipment.
For Class 1 explosives, the list further divides into six hazard divisions and 13 compatibility groups – these are not shown in the simple class column but are detailed in the specific entries and in the special provisions referenced in Column 6 [source: dco.uscg.mil]. If you are shipping explosives, you must consult the full entry, not just the class number.
The Nine Dangerous Goods Classes: A Complete Breakdown
The IMDG Dangerous Goods List is built on a classification of dangerous goods into nine classes, with some classes further divided into subdivisions. This section gives you a working understanding of each class – what it covers, common examples, and what to watch for when classifying your cargo.
Class 1 – Explosives
Class 1 covers explosive substances and articles, including fireworks, ammunition, detonators and propellants. It is divided into six hazard divisions (1.1 to 1.6) based on the type and severity of explosion risk, and 13 compatibility groups that determine which explosives can be stowed together [source: dco.uscg.mil]. Examples include UN 0303 (ammunition, smoke) and UN 0153 (glycerol trinitrate). Class 1 entries typically fall in the UN 0001–0500 range [source: freightamigo.com]. Special stowage provisions apply – for example, Class 1 explosives must be stowed away from all sources of heat, including steam pipes [source: federalregister.gov].
Class 2 – Gases
Class 2 covers compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases. It is divided into three divisions:
- 2.1: Flammable gases (e.g., UN 1950, aerosols)
- 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases (e.g., UN 1002, compressed air; UN 1006, argon; UN 1046, helium; UN 1066, nitrogen; UN 1072, oxygen) [source: webarchiveweb.wayback.bac-lac.canada.ca]
- 2.3: Toxic gases (e.g., UN 1005, anhydrous ammonia) [source: freightamigo.com]
Many gas entries also carry subsidiary risks – for example, UN 3306 (compressed gas, toxic, oxidising, corrosive, N.O.S.) carries Class 2.3 as primary with subsidiary risks 5.1 and 8 [source: mobilit.belgium.be]. The UN number range for Class 2 is primarily UN 1001–1079 [source: zhbfwl.com].
Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
Class 3 covers liquids with a flashpoint below 60°C (and in some cases up to 100°C for elevated-temperature transport). Common examples include UN 1170 (ethanol), UN 1203 (petrol/gasoline), UN 1219 (isopropanol), UN 1230 (methanol), UN 1263 (paint) and UN 1993 (flammable liquid, N.O.S.) [source: v5ultimate.com]. Generic entries such as UN 1268 (KETONES, LIQUID, N.O.S.) and UN 1987 (PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, N.O.S.) are frequently used for complex mixtures [source: mobilit.belgium.be]. Packing Groups range from I (very flammable) to III (moderately flammable).
Class 4 – Flammable Solids, Spontaneously Combustible and Dangerous When Wet
Class 4 is divided into three divisions:
- 4.1: Flammable solids (e.g., UN 1325, flammable solid, organic, N.O.S.) [source: v5ultimate.com]
- 4.2: Spontaneously combustible substances (e.g., UN 1361, CARBON, animal or vegetable origin – charcoal) [source: safety4sea.com]
- 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (e.g., UN 1428, sodium metal) [source: v5ultimate.com]
Charcoal (UN 1361) was significantly affected by Amendment 42-24 – previous exemptions were removed and a new Special Provision 978 was added, imposing stricter requirements [source: msccargo.cn].
Class 5 – Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides
Class 5 is divided into:
- 5.1: Oxidising substances (e.g., UN 1495, sodium chlorate; UN 2465, dichloroisocyanuric acid) [source: v5ultimate.com; federalregister.gov]
- 5.2: Organic peroxides
These substances can cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials. They must be segregated from combustible materials, acids and heat sources [source: dco.uscg.mil].
Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances
Class 6 is divided into:
- 6.1: Toxic substances (e.g., UN 2810, toxic liquid, organic, N.O.S.; UN 1098, allyl alcohol) [source: oocl.com]
- 6.2: Infectious substances (biohazards)
The defining characteristic of Class 6 substances is their ability to cause death or serious injury to human health through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact [source: dco.uscg.mil].
Class 7 – Radioactive Material
Class 7 covers radioactive substances and articles. These entries have specific packaging, labelling and radiation dose limits that are outside the scope of general DG packaging instructions.
Class 8 – Corrosive Substances
Class 8 covers substances that can cause severe damage to skin, eyes or other materials on contact. Common examples include UN 1789 (hydrochloric acid), UN 1830 (sulphuric acid >51%), UN 1791 (hypochlorite solution/bleach) and UN 2794 (batteries, wet, filled with acid) [source: v5ultimate.com]. Many corrosives also carry subsidiary risks – for example, nitric acid (UN 2031) is Class 8 with a subsidiary risk of 5.1 (oxidising) [source: imorules.com].
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods is the catch-all category for substances and articles that present a hazard during transport but do not meet the definitions of Classes 1 through 8. This class has grown significantly in commercial importance because it covers lithium batteries, dry ice, asbestos, environmentally hazardous substances and life-saving appliances [source: imorules.com].
The IMDG Code subdivides Class 9 into several groups [source: imorules.com]:
- Substances which, on inhalation as fine dust, may endanger health – UN 2212 (blue/brown asbestos), UN 2590 (white asbestos)
- Substances evolving flammable vapour – UN 2211 (polymeric beads, expandable), UN 3314 (plastics moulding compound)
- Lithium batteries – UN 3090 (lithium metal batteries), UN 3091 (lithium metal batteries contained in/packed with equipment), UN 3480 (lithium ion batteries), UN 3481 (lithium ion batteries contained in/packed with equipment) [source: imorules.com]
- Life-saving appliances – UN 2990 (self-inflating), UN 3072 (not self-inflating)
- Substances which, in the event of fire, may form dioxins – UN 2315 (polychlorinated biphenyls, liquid), UN 3432 (PCBs, solid)
- Substances transported at elevated temperatures – UN 3257 (elevated temperature liquid, N.O.S., at or above 100°C), UN 3258 (elevated temperature solid, N.O.S., at or above 240°C)
- Environmentally hazardous substances – UN 3077 (solid, N.O.S.), UN 3082 (liquid, N.O.S.) [source: imorules.com; v5ultimate.com]
Amendment 42-24 added new UN numbers for Class 9 dangerous goods [source: britanniapandi. [source: imo.org]com]. If you ship lithium batteries, dry ice, or materials that may be environmentally hazardous, check the current edition of the Dangerous Goods List – the classification and special provisions for these entries change more frequently than for traditional chemical classes.
How to Look Up a UN Number in the IMDG Dangerous Goods List
For a DG exporter or freight forwarder, looking up a UN number in the IMDG Dangerous Goods List is a routine but critical task. The process is straightforward if you have the correct reference – either the official IMDG Code publication (Volume 2 contains the Dangerous Goods List) or a reliable digital database that mirrors the current edition.
Step 1: Start with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Every chemical or article that may be classified as dangerous goods should have an SDS. The SDS often includes the UN number and the proper shipping name under Section 14 (Transport Information) [source: freightamigo.com]. If the SDS does not list a UN number, you need to classify the substance using the classification criteria in Part 2 of the IMDG Code – this is where you may need a qualified dangerous goods safety adviser.
Step 2: Locate the Entry in the Dangerous Goods List
Once you have a UN number (or a provisional classification), go to Chapter 3.2 of the IMDG Code. The Dangerous Goods List is sorted numerically by UN number. Find the row that matches your UN number.
If you are searching by Proper Shipping Name rather than UN number, the list includes an alphabetical index in Volume 2 (or you can use a digital search tool). For example, if you are shipping "KETONES, LIQUID, N.O.S.", the index directs you to UN 1268 [source: mobilit.belgium.be].
Step 3: Read the Full Row
A UN number entry is not just the number and the name. You must read across the columns to capture:
- Column 2: Proper Shipping Name (PSN) – the exact name to be used on the dangerous goods declaration. For N.O.S. entries, a technical name must be added in parentheses [source: hapag-lloyd.com].
- Column 3: Class – the primary hazard class.
- Column 4: Subsidiary risk(s) – any additional hazard labels required.
- Column 5: Packing Group – I, II or III.
- Column 6: Special provisions – numbered provisions (e.g., SP978 for charcoal) that modify the standard requirements [source: imorules.com].
- Column 7a: Limited quantities – the maximum quantity per inner packaging if shipping under the limited quantities exemption.
- Column 7b: Excepted quantities – the alphanumeric code for excepted quantities.
- Column 8: Packing instructions – the specific packing instruction (e.g., P001, IBC02) that tells you which packagings are approved.
- Column 9: Special packing provisions – additional packing requirements.
- Column 10: IBC instructions – intermediate bulk container provisions.
- Column 11: IBC special provisions – additional IBC requirements.
- Column 13: Tank instructions – portable tank provisions.
- Column 15: EmS (Emergency Schedule) – the emergency response schedule number (e.g., F-E, S-D) [source: imorules.com].
- Column 16: Stowage and segregation – stowage category and segregation group.
Step 4: Verify Against the Current Amendment
The IMDG Code is amended every two years. The current mandatory edition is Amendment 42-24, effective 1 January 2026 [source: www. [source: imo.org]imo.org]. If you are using a digital tool, confirm that it is updated to the 42-24 edition. If you are using a printed volume, check the edition date – the 2024 Edition (incorporating Amendment 42-24) is the current one. [source: imo.org]
A common mistake is to look up a UN number in an older edition and miss a changed packing group, special provision or proper shipping name. For example, the classification of battery-powered vehicles changed significantly between 41-22 and 42-24 – UN 3171 was revised and new entries were added for specific battery types [source: www.54seaman.com].
Step 5: Document Correctly
Once you have confirmed the UN number, PSN, class, packing group and any special provisions, these details must appear on the dangerous goods declaration (also known as the multimodal dangerous goods form or DGD). The declaration must include the UN number preceded by "UN", the proper shipping name (with technical name in parentheses if required), the primary class, any subsidiary risks and the packing group [source: oocl.com].
Digital tools can speed up this process. Several online databases and mobile apps allow you to search by UN number, PSN or CAS number and return the full IMDG entry [source: valenciaportpcs.net; play.google.com]. However, always cross-check against the official IMDG Code or a provider that explicitly states the edition they are using – not all free tools update promptly.
quently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UN number and a dangerous goods class?
A UN number is a four-digit identifier assigned to a specific substance or article (e.g., UN 3082 for environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, N.O.S.). A dangerous goods class is the hazard category – one of the nine classes described above – that tells you the primary risk (e.g., Class 9 for miscellaneous, Class 3 for flammable liquids). One UN number always has one primary class, but may also have one or more subsidiary risk classes. The IMDG Dangerous Goods List connects the two: every UN number appears in a row with its class, subsidiary risks and all other transport provisions.
How do I know if my product is a "hidden dangerous good" that is not obviously classified?
"Hidden" or "undeclared" dangerous goods are substances that are not immediately obvious as hazardous but meet the classification criteria in the IMDG Code. Common examples include: - Lithium batteries contained in equipment (UN 3091 or UN 3481) – many electronics contain lithium batteries that must be declared. - Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) – used as a refrigerant for temperature-sensitive cargo; UN 1845, Class 9. - Paint, adhesives, resins – often flammable liquids (Class 3) even if the product name sounds harmless. - Environmentally hazardous substances – UN 3077 or UN 3082, Class 9, for substances that are aquatic pollutants but may not be flammable or toxic in the traditional sense. The only reliable way to identify hidden dangerous goods is to classify the substance using the criteria in Part 2 of the IMDG Code, or to have a competent person review the SDS. Many shipments are rejected or delayed because the shipper assumed a product was non-hazardous based on its common name. If in doubt, test or classify before booking.
How often is the IMDG Dangerous Goods List updated, and what is the current version?
The IMDG Code is updated every two years through amendments adopted by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee. The current mandatory edition is the 2024 Edition (Amendment 42-24), which entered into force on 1 January 2026 and must be used by all vessels carrying dangerous goods from that date. The previous edition (41-22) was phased out on the same date with no transition period. Amendment 42-24 added 11 new entries to the Dangerous Goods List and amended 58 existing entries. The next amendment, 43-26, is expected to be adopted in due course.
What happens if I use an outdated UN number or proper shipping name?
Using an outdated UN number, PSN or packing group is a compliance violation. The consequences can include: - Rejection of the cargo at the port of loading. - Fines or penalties from the flag state or port state control. - Delays while the documentation is corrected. - In the worst case, the cargo may be unloaded or returned at the shipper's expense. Since Amendment 42-24 became mandatory on 1 January 2026, any dangerous goods declaration that still references the 41-22 classification for entries that were changed is non-compliant. For example, battery-powered vehicles that were previously all classified under UN 3171 now require more specific classification under the 42-24 rules.
Where can I find the official IMDG Dangerous Goods List?
The official Dangerous Goods List is published in Volume 2 of the IMDG Code (2024 Edition, incorporating Amendment 42-24), available from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and authorised distributors. Digital versions are available through various commercial DG compliance platforms. Free online tools exist but may not always reflect the current amendment – verify the edition before relying on them. For day-to-day operations, many freight forwarders and DG compliance teams use subscription-based databases that are updated with each amendment.
Class 9 miscellaneous dangerous goods
is the only class that does not have a single, unified hazard definition. Instead, it covers substances and articles that: - Present a hazard during transport but do not meet the criteria for Classes 1–8, or - Are specifically assigned to Class 9 by the UN Model Regulations. Common Class 9 entries include lithium batteries (UN 3090, 3091, 3480, 3481), dry ice (UN 1845), asbestos (UN 2212, 2590), environmentally hazardous substances (UN 3077, 3082), life-saving appliances (UN 2990, 3072) and elevated-temperature substances (UN 3257, 3258). Class 9 is often misunderstood as "low hazard" – but lithium batteries, for example, require strict packaging, labelling and segregation provisions that are just as detailed as those for many Class 3 or Class 8 substances.
What should I do if I cannot find my product in the Dangerous Goods List?
If your product is not listed by a specific UN number, you may need to use a generic or N.O.S. (not otherwise specified) entry – for example, UN 1993 (flammable liquid, N.O.S.) or UN 3082 (environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, N.O.S.). When using an N.O.S. entry, you must add the technical name of the substance in parentheses after the proper shipping name. Classification of unlisted substances should be done by a competent person using the classification criteria in Part 2 of the IMDG Code, or by a recognised testing laboratory.
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Related Guides
What each class covers, port acceptance and shipping limits.
How BESS and battery cabinets are classified and shipped under UN3536.
Certificate rules mapped to each of the nine classes.
Classes 2-9 FCL/LCL export service with carrier pre-approval.
Sources and references
- britanniapandi.
- dco.uscg.mil
- federalregister.gov
- freightamigo.com
- hapag-lloyd.com
- imo.org
- imorules.com
- imorules.com;
- mobilit.belgium.be
- mobilit.belgium.be;
- msccargo.cn
- oocl.com
- oocl.com;
- play.google.com
- safety4sea.com
- umwelt-online.de;
- v5ultimate.com
- v5ultimate.com;
- valenciaportpcs.net
- valenciaportpcs.net;
- webarchiveweb.wayback.bac-lac.canada.ca
- www.
- www.54seaman.com
- www.greathensen.com
- www.imo.org
- www.imorules.com
- zhbfwl.com
All figures verified from public sources; freight rates marked indicative are confirmed at booking.
