The P. R. China MSA recently issued a notice announcing the implementation of the 07-23 Amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), which were adopted by the 107th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee in the form of Resolution MSC.539(107).

To ensure the effective enforcement of the amendments, P. R. China MSA has clarified the following key matters:

1.Declaration and Reporting Requirements: Shippers and carriers must comply with the Regulations on the Safety Supervision and Administration of Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes and the amended IMSBC Code to handle the safety and fitness documentation for the carriage of solid bulk cargoes and the port entry and exit declarations or reports for vessels carrying solid bulk cargoes.

2.Regulations for the Transportation of Nitrate-based Fertilizers: For Group C cargoes such as “potassium nitrate”, “sodium nitrate”, and “mixtures of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate”, shippers must provide carriers with declarations of the cargo’s composition and particle size in accordance with Article 4.2 of the IMSBC Code before loading to ensure compliance with the requirements of the detailed list and to take appropriate measures for proper stowage and safe carriage. Additionally, shippers must submit corresponding declarations to MSAs when handling safety and fitness documentation.

3.New Version of Declaration on Safety and Fitness of Solid Bulk Cargoes: With the update of the format for the “cargo information sheet applicable to solid bulk cargoes” in the amendments, a new version of the “Declaration on Safety and Fitness of Solid Bulk Cargoes” will be put into application.

The notice will officially come into effect on January 1, 2025. P. R. China MSA emphasizes that all relevant parties must strictly comply with the new regulations to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.