Annex II

Annex II deals with the prevention of pollution by chemicals. Chemical cargoes are categorizes into 3 (4) pollution categories. These categories indicate whether the cargo discharge into the sea is regulated under Annex II or not.

All cargo tanks must be emptied as good as possible. The categories describe what has to happen next:

• Category X: Mandatory prewash (to be disposed ashore).
• Category Y: Prewash (to be disposed ashore), if the cargo is a
  High-Viscosity Cargo or a
  Solidifying Cargo or a
  Persistent Floater in special areas of European waters (as of Jan 2021)
• Category Z: No prewash
• Other substances: Not regulated under this Annex

The ship construction requirements for the Annex II cargoes are listed in the IBC Code .
Additional cargoes are listed in the MEPC.2 circular letter which is issued once a year usually in December.