IMO tightens ammonium nitrate rules

The revision, specifically to Clause 7.6.2.8.4, clarifies that UN 1942 ammonium nitrate and UN 2067 ammonium nitrate-based fertiliser may only be carried under deck if all hatches, including tween deck hatches, can be opened in an emergency to allow effective firefighting, ventilation and boundary cooling.

The change will come into effect on 1 January 2026 and stems from a 2022 International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) white paper which highlighted the under-recognised risks of fire during sea transport.

“The work by our technical panel over several months made the case for amending the IMDG Code very clear, backed by thorough understanding of the properties of these compounds and by detailed guidance on how such risks could be mitigated,” said ICHCA chief executive Richard Steele.

Ammonium nitrate, commonly used in fertilisers and explosives, does not burn on its own but can intensify fires by accelerating combustion of other materials.

ICHCA has launched a global awareness campaign throughout 2025 to promote understanding of the new IMDG Code updates and reinforce best practice in the handling and shipping of dangerous goods.

“This seemingly unremarkable clause is in fact crucial to safe shipping of ammonium nitrate,” said the paper’s lead author, Brian Devaraj.

“Ammonium nitrate fires can escalate out of control very rapidly. To help prevent consequential loss of life and damage, the new provisions laid out in the IMDG Code, in particular clause 7.6.2.8.4 should be complied with at all times.”