The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized UN agency with responsibility for international maritime affairs and the IMDG Code. The IMO governs the transport of dangerous goods by sea (hosting two international conventions) and is responsible for updating the code every two years.

The IMDG Code is an internationally developed doctrine which:

• Groups dangerous goods together based on the hazards they present in transportation
• Ensures that dangerous goods are transported in packaging and tanks of the appropriate strength, which will prevent a hazardous materials release
• Uses hazard warning labels and other identifying marks to identify dangerous goods in transport
• Requires standard documentation to be provided when dangerous goods are being transported
• Ensures that incompatible dangerous goods are kept apart
• Determines and enforces where to place dangerous goods on board ships to ensure safe transport
• Provides emergency response advice for dangerous goods involved in a fire or spillage while in transport or docked