SOLAS VGM regulations updates

The responsibility for obtaining and documenting the verified gross weight (VGM) of a packed container lies with the shipper.

The SOLAS regulations provide two methods by which the shipper may obtain the VGM of a packed container.

Method No. 1:

After packing and sealing a container and using calibrated and certified equipment, the shipper may weigh, or arrange for a third party to weigh, the packed container.
The scale, weighbridge, lifting equipment or other devices used to verify the gross mass of the container must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the State in which the equipment is being used.

Method No. 2:

The shipper (or, by arrangement of the shipper, a third party) may weigh all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage, and other packing and securing material to be packed in the container, and add the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses of the container’s contents

The weighing equipment used to weigh the contents of the container must meet the applicable accuracy standards and requirements of the state in which the equipment is being used.

Furthermore, a container that does not have a verified gross weight will not be loaded onboard the vessels.

We will continue to keep you updated of any changes to this requirement.

For more information, visit http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/safety/cargo-weight, which includes an FAQ page.
 
Please be advised that when providing your VGM, we ask that you break down the weight to cargo weight and container tare weight separately.

Should you have any questions, please contact your local carriers Customer Service Representative, who will be happy to assist you.