SOLAS Container weight verification rules effective 1st July 2016

Please find below some information reading the new Container Weight Verification rules, we will update this page as and when we get any further news

What is the new regulation

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted new regulations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) that states that The Shipper (named on the carrier's Bill of Lading) is responsible for the verification of the packed containers weight also known as the VGM.

Carriers will not load containers without the shipper named on the carrier's Bill of Lading providing the VGM of the packed container

Weighing methods

The shipper may use two methods to calculate the VGM of the packed container:

Method 1 – weighing

Weigh the whole packed and sealed container.

Method 2 - calculating

Weigh all packages, packaging and any dunnage material used, then adding those weights to the tare weight marked on the door end of the container will give you your VGM – Estimating the weight of the container’s contents is not permitted Under either method used, 1 or 2, the weighing equipment used to weigh the contents or the container must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the Country in which the equipment is being used.

How can you submit the VGM to the carrier

The declaration of the VGM must be signed and dated by the Shipper, and provided to the carrier via either EDI transmission or via a physical shipping document.

What are ELA doing

We are working closely with the shipping lines and all relevant e-commerce hubs, in order that we have the standards and processes in place to accommodate the new requirements.

Further Information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

World Shipping Council

BIFA