SOLAS - Amendments to the IMSBC Code (Amendment 08/25)
In June 2025, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.575(110), setting out the latest amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.
The latest amendments to the IMSBC Code will become mandatory from 1 January 2027, with voluntary application possible from 1 January 2026. A total of 12 new schedules have been added to the Code.
New individual cargo schedules added:
- Aluminium Sulphate Granular
- Apatite Concentrate
- Asphalt Granulates
- Crushed Granodiorite (Coarse)
- Ferric Sulphate Granular
- Fish Meal (Stabilized)
- Fish Scrap (Stabilized)
- Iron Ore Briquettes
- Pea Protein Concentrate Pellets
- Phosphate Rock Fines (uncalcined)
- Tuff (Coarse)
- Zinc Slag (Coarse)
Additionally, 11 existing cargo schedules have been amended in the Code.
- 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
Resolution MSC.575(110) adopted a number of other alterations to the IMSBC Code affecting Section 3, 9 and 13 of the Code.
Section 3 (Safety of Personnel and Ship):
Updates to the guidance on cargo under in-transit fumigation, referencing the revised IMO recommendations for safe use of pesticides (MSC.1/Circ.1264/Rev.1). Footnotes and references have been updated for clarity and alignment with the latest safety practices.
Section 9 (Materials Possessing Chemical Hazards):
The segregation table in 9.3.3 has been amended for bulk materials classified as dangerous goods. Changes include updated terminology, clearer separation requirements for radioactive materials, and removal of outdated references to “MHB.” The table now better reflects current best practices for stowage and segregation of hazardous bulk cargoes.
Section 13 (References to Related Information and Recommendations):
References have been updated to the latest IMO circulars, including the revised recommendations for safe use of pesticides and updated reference numbers (e.g., MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.7). This ensures that users of the Code are directed to the most current supporting documents and safety guidelines.
Ship owners and managers should review these changes in detail, update shipboard procedures, and ensure crew training reflects the latest safety, stowage, and emergency protocols. Compliance is mandatory from 1 January 2027, but early adoption is encouraged.
Members requiring further information should contact the Club’s Loss Prevention department.