Starter kit for coping with VGM regulations
Input from the "rat pack": the World Shipping Council (WSC), the TT Club, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) have jointly released another frequently asked questions (FAQ) document designed to support the smooth implementation of the container weighing regulations that take effect globally on 1 July 2016.
The amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export. These new supplementary FAQs are based on actual questions from affected stakeholders regarding proper implementation of the new regulations.
Some of the supplementary FAQs explain in more detail how the Solas container VGM requirements should be fulfilled in various circumstances as described in questions received from supply chain parties. Other supplementary FAQs are intended to give additional information regarding the two methods that may be used under the Solas VGM requirements to obtain the verified gross mass of a packed container.