IMO Approves Freight Container Weighing Verification Requirement

What has changed with IMO’s container weighing verification requirements?

The IMO has confirmed that the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has approved draft amendments to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) chapter VI to require mandatory verification of the gross mass of every freight container.

We understand that the draft amendments will be put forward for adoption to the next MSC session – MSC 94 – in November 2014 and, if approved, will enter into force in July 2016.

MSC also approved and issued related draft guidelines regarding the verified gross mass of a container carrying cargo, designed to assist supply chain participants’ and SOLAS contracting governments’ implementation of the container weight verification requirements.

The draft amendments would add new paragraphs to SOLAS regulation VI/2 Cargo Information, requiring the shipper to verify the container’s gross mass and state the verified gross mass in the shipping document. The packed container should not be loaded onto the ship if the verified gross mass has not been provided or obtained.

The gross mass of containers shall be verified by either weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment. Alternatively, the shipper can weigh it by adding together all packages, cargo items, and the tare mass (mass of an empty container) to calculate a single total mass.

Key Takeaways from the Freight Container Amendments:

1. Mandatory Verification of Gross Mass:

   • The shipper must verify and declare the gross mass of a freight container before loading it onto a ship.
   • This ensures that shippers minimize weight misdeclarations, which can lead to vessel instability, accidents, and cargo damage.

2. Methods for Freight Container Verification:

   • Weighing the packed freight container using calibrated and certified equipment.
   • Calculating the total weight by summing up the tare mass (empty container weight) and the weight of all packed items, including packaging materials.

3. Enforcement & Compliance:

   • If the verified gross mass (VGM) is not provided, the container must not be loaded onto the ship.
   • The amendments provide clear guidelines for SOLAS contracting governments and supply chain participants to ensure compliance.

Next Steps:

• The IMO will present the draft amendments for adoption at MSC 94 in November 2014.
• If approved, they will enter into force in July 2016, giving the industry time to adapt.

This regulation will require shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers to update their processes to ensure compliance. Companies will need to invest in weighing equipment, update documentation procedures, and improve coordination across the supply chain. Failure to comply could result in delays, penalties, and increased operational costs.

Stay Ahead with K&L Freight

As industry leaders, K&L Freight stays at the forefront of regulatory updates, helping businesses navigate these changes seamlessly. For expert guidance on SOLAS compliance, freight container weight verification and best practices in freight management, visit our website. Stay informed and ensure your cargo moves safely and efficiently.