The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is the IMO's mandatory standard for classifying, packing, marking, and stowing dangerous goods carried by sea. It assigns every hazardous substance a class, a UN number, and packing requirements that carriers and terminals must follow.
IMDG · Class 9
IMO Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
Class 9: Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
A material which presents a hazard during transportation but which does not meet the definition of any other hazard class. This class includes:
1. Any material which has an anesthetic, noxious or other similar property which could cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to a flight crew member so as to prevent the correct performance of assigned duties; or
2. Any material for an elevated temperature material, a hazardous substance, a hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.
FAQ
Dangerous goods classification, explained
A substance is classed by its primary hazard, but many also carry a subsidiary risk — a toxic gas that's also flammable, for instance. The shipping documents and placarding reflect both, and segregation rules account for whichever hazard is more restrictive.
The UN number is assigned per substance (or group of similar substances) in the IMDG Code's Dangerous Goods List, not per class — two shipments in the same class can have different numbers, packing groups, and segregation requirements.
No — this is a plain-language reference for planning purposes only. Final classification, packing instructions, and stowage/segregation tables always come from the current edition of the IMDG Code and your carrier's dangerous goods desk.
Tracking a dangerous goods shipment?
Qubictron's tracking tools work the same way regardless of cargo class — see live status across ocean and air in one search.