Carriage of Plastic Pellets by Sea in Freight Containers | India
Published: July 23, 2026
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India, has issued DGS Circular No. 19 of 2026 has introduced national requirements for the carriage of plastic pellets (nurdles) by sea in freight containers. The Circular has been introduced in response to increasing concerns regarding marine pollution arising from the loss of plastic pellets during shipment and establishes requirements relating to the packaging, handling and stowage of such cargoes.
Members involved in the shipment, carriage or handling of plastic pellets (nurdles) on voyages calling at Indian ports or transiting Indian coastal waters should review the Circular carefully and ensure that their procedures and operations comply with its requirements and any other applicable international, national and local regulations.
The Club has also previously published a Risk Alert, Safe Shipment of Plastic Pellets in Containers, written by Taslim Imad which provides additional background and practical guidance on the safe shipment of plastic pellets.
Where further guidance is required, Members should consult their local agents, legal advisers or the Club’s correspondents regarding local requirements and operational considerations.
