IMO 2026 Regulations Take Effect: Thailand Hazardous Materials Logistics Face Compliance Upgrade as Southeast Asia Chemical Transport Management Reaches Critical Turning Point

Key Points

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) new regulations officially take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting hazardous materials sea freight compliance requirements in Asia
• Thailand, as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia, faces stricter international standards and data declaration requirements for chemical transport management
• EU REACH regulation revision postponed to second half of 2026, but CLP labeling requirements rollback provides short-term buffer for export enterprises
• Asian shipping companies must ensure air and sea freight bookings reflect 2026 DGR and IMDG standards, including updated UN entries and special provisions

IMO 2026 Regulations: Global Hazardous Materials Transport Compliance Upgrade

Effective January 1, 2026, a series of new regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are taking effect, with profound implications for global hazardous materials transport. According to Gard reports, key changes include:

• SOLAS Convention Amendment: Regulation II-1/3-13 introduces mandatory new standards for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches
• Mandatory Container Loss Reporting: Ship masters are now required to immediately report any container losses to nearby vessels and the closest coastal state
• STCW Code Updates: Mandatory training on personal safety and social responsibilities, with specific focus on preventing violence, bullying, and sexual harassment

For Asian shipping companies, these changes mean ensuring that air and sea freight bookings reflect 2026 DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) and IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) standards, including updated UN entries and special provisions to avoid rejection or carrier denial of hazardous cargo.