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The Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention

The HNS Convention aims to ensure prompt and effective compensation to those who have suffered from damage to person and/or property.  This includes cost of clean up and economic losses resulting from the maritime transport of hazardous and noxious substances.

About HNS Convention

News

Date for entry into force of 2010 HNS Convention confirmed

Posted: 01/06/2026

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed that the 2010 HNS Convention will enter into force on 29 November 2027. This long-anticipated…

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Headquarters of HNS Fund to be co-located with IOPC Funds Secretariat

Posted: 22/05/2026

At their May 2026 sessions, the governing bodies of the IOPC Funds approved the co-location of the headquarters of the yet-to-be-established HNS…

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Hot Topics

Are plastic pellets HNS?

Posted: 07/04/2025

By: IOPC Funds

The IOPC Funds has been receiving a number of questions about incidents involving plastic pellets. These are addressed in the below guidance….

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The Convention

The 2010 HNS Convention establishes a comprehensive regime covering pollution damage from hazardous and noxious substances carried by ships, as well as the risks of fire and explosion, including loss of life, personal injury, and loss of or damage to property.

HNS Finder

HNS Finder allows you to search the list of all HNS as defined by the 2010 HNS Protocol. It provides information on HNS classification criteria and whether or not a substance qualifies as contributing cargo.

Status

As of today, eight States have ratified or acceded to the 2010 HNS Protocol and a number of others are well-advanced in their progress towards ratification or accession.

HNS Reporting

The 2010 HNS Convention establishes a comprehensive regime covering pollution damage from hazardous and noxious substances carried by ships, as well as the risks of fire and explosion, including loss of life, personal injury, and loss of or damage to property.

Implementation: A Global Effort

The entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention continues to feature on the agenda of the IMO Legal Committee meetings and 1992 Fund Assembly sessions. Both Secretariats together with the HNS Correspondence Group, are taking the lead on ensuring States have all the necessary tools and information at hand to adopt and implement the 2010 HNS Convention as soon as possible.

Resources

Further Information on the 2010 HNS Convention