15 December 2025
IMDG Code – Amendment for Battery Powered Vehicles effective
1 January 2026
Dear Valued Customer,
Please be advised that as per IMO IMDG Code Amendment 42-24: Key Updates for Maritime Transport there are new classifications of battery powered vehicles.
The IMDG Code defines vehicles as: “Self-propelled apparatus designed to carry one or more persons or goods”. Examples of such vehicles are cars, motorcycles, scooters, three- and four-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles, trucks, locomotives, bicycles (pedal cycles with a motor) and other vehicles of this type (e.g. self-balancing vehicles or vehicles not equipped with at least one seating position), wheelchairs, lawn tractors, self-propelled farming and construction equipment, boats and aircraft. Previously, all battery powered vehicles were covered under UN3171, however per the amendment, this has been updated and applicable from 1 January 2026.
We will only accept new battery powered/hybrid vehicles if they are shipped in closed containers and declared as hazardous during booking. No special provisions or exemptions are allowed due to potential risk factor at sea. It is the shipper’s responsibility to declare cargo correctly and in compliance with IMDG Code before acceptance. Loading of cargo will be precluded if declarations and correct documentation is not in place.
Thank you for your continued support, should you have any further questions or queries please contact your Neptune Pacific representative.
Sincerely,
Neptune Pacific
Thanks,
WCP