Information checked as of 9 August 2026. The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, 2024 Edition, incorporating Amendment 42-24, became mandatory on 1 January 2026. For a used-EV buyer, the immediate lesson is not to copy a generic shipping declaration. It is to give the carrier and dangerous-goods specialist accurate information about the specific vehicle, battery and condition before booking.
What changed in 2026
The International Maritime Organization states that the 2024 Edition of the IMDG Code, including Amendment 42-24, entered into force and became mandatory on 1 January 2026. The previous 2022 Edition is obsolete. IMO’s public 2026 rules briefing says the code requirements apply to ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form.
UN dangerous-goods work also distinguishes battery-powered vehicles by chemistry. The relevant entries include UN 3556 for a lithium-ion-battery-powered vehicle, UN 3557 for a lithium-metal-battery-powered vehicle and UN 3558 for a sodium-ion-battery-powered vehicle. Classification and applicable special provisions must be confirmed for the actual shipment; a model name or an “EV” badge is not enough.
RoRo and container movements can involve different operational and documentary treatment. Vehicle condition, packaging or enclosure, route, transshipment port and carrier rules may change what is accepted. A carrier may impose controls stricter than a public minimum. Obtain written instructions for the selected service rather than assuming that a rule used on a previous route still applies.
Information to assemble before requesting a booking
- Vehicle identity: provide the VIN or agreed shipment identifier, make, model, variant, manufacture year, dimensions, mass and whether the vehicle is BEV, PHEV, HEV or another powertrain.
- Battery identity: confirm the installed traction-battery chemistry and, where available, rated capacity, pack identification and manufacturer information. Do not guess chemistry from the vehicle brand.
- Operational condition: state whether the vehicle powers on, moves and steers as required by the terminal and carrier. Acceptance criteria must come from the booked service.
- Damage disclosure: report collision, underbody impact, water exposure, fire or overheating warning, leakage, swelling, unusual odour, battery fault messages and relevant recall status.
- Repair and replacement: disclose traction-pack, module, BMS, charging-system or high-voltage repairs and provide the available dated records.
- Shipment method: identify RoRo, container or another method, the origin and destination ports, planned transshipment points and the party responsible for dangerous-goods documentation.
- Carrier instructions: obtain current written requirements for state of charge, keys, alarms, isolation, loose equipment, fuel in a hybrid vehicle and terminal delivery. Do not apply a percentage or procedure copied from another carrier.
- Documents: confirm the required declaration, booking form, vehicle condition statement, emergency contact, transport documents and any photographs or inspection report.
- Insurance: disclose the powertrain and battery condition accurately to the insurer and confirm the scope, exclusions and insured value in writing.
Damaged or potentially defective vehicles
A vehicle with known or suspected battery damage should not be self-classified as ordinary cargo. Stop the normal booking process and provide the facts to a qualified dangerous-goods professional and the intended carrier. The correct response may depend on the nature of the defect, evidence available, packaging or containment, port capability and the carrier’s acceptance policy.
Photographs alone cannot rule out internal battery damage. Equally, a dashboard without a warning does not establish transport fitness. When a vehicle’s history includes flooding, a severe underbody strike, fire exposure or high-voltage repair, request a competent assessment and written carrier decision before moving it to the terminal.
Commercial checks for the buyer
Shipping acceptance is separate from export eligibility, customs clearance and road registration at destination. Put each responsibility in the quotation: who supplies the technical data, who submits the booking, who prepares any dangerous-goods documents, who pays for rejected delivery or extra handling, and when risk transfers under the agreed trade term.
Schedules and freight quotations can change. Use a dated written quotation tied to the identified vehicle, route and method. A statement that a model “can be shipped” is not a confirmed booking.
Limits and disclaimer
The full IMDG Code is an official IMO publication. This article does not reproduce paid provisions, provide a classification decision or give technical handling instructions. It is an original procurement checklist, not legal, maritime, dangerous-goods, engineering or safety advice. Requirements can change and may differ by carrier, port, flag, route and vehicle condition. Confirm every shipment with the carrier, terminal and a qualified dangerous-goods professional.
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