New Guidelines for the Carriage of Seed Cake in Containers *UPDATE*

This new version of the Guidelines notes that it is vital that Seed Cake which is not classified in Class 4.2 of the IMDG Code should be declared by the shipper to the receiving carrier – and appropriate documentation provided to show that the Seed Cake, as offered for shipment, has been tested in accordance with the provisions of the IMDG Code.

This Version 3 of the Guidelines replaces, and supersedes, Version 2 that was published in June 2020.

18 June 2020

In January 2020, the International Group and CINS (the Cargo Incident Notification System) jointly published “Guidelines for the Carriage of Seed Cake (including Seed Meal) in Containers”.

An updated version of the guidelines is now available. The new version contains some minor changes to the text including an updated description of Seed Cake, some clarification of details following queries received from container ship operators and the properties and observations for each relevant UN number.

The new version of the guidelines can be downloaded here.

21 January 2020

New Guidelines for the Carriage of Seed Cake in Containers have been published jointly by CINS (Cargo Incident Notification System) and the International Group of P&I Clubs.

18 June 2020
In January 2020, the International Group and CINS (the Cargo Incident Notification System) jointly published “Guidelines for the Carriage of Seed Cake (including Seed Meal) in Containers”.

An updated version of the guidelines is now available. The new version contains some minor changes to the text including an updated description of Seed Cake, some clarification of details following queries received from container ship operators and the properties and observations for each relevant UN number.

The new version of the guidelines can be downloaded here.

Principally used as an ingredient in animal feeds, Seed Cake is the term used for pulp, meals, cake, pellets, expellers and other similar cargo, which have undergone a process(es) to remove the edible vegetable oils from oil-bearing seeds, cereals or commodities with similar properties. It is the reactivity of the residual oil which gives rise to the hazardous properties of Seed Cakes.

The practices set out in this new guidance are intended to improve safety during the carriage of Seed Cake and to ensure that it is declared, packaged and carried properly.

Seed Cake must be transported in compliance with the IMDG Code. The practices set out in these guidelines include additional precautions to enhance its safe carriage.

Read the CINS IG Seed Cake Guidelines.