Broad Industry Coalition Provides Guidance For The Smooth Implemetation Of Container Weighing Regulations
Today, the World Shipping Council (WSC), the TT Club, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), and the Global Shippers' Forum (GSF) jointly released a second 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 SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export.
Like the initial joint industry FAQ document, published last December, these new supplementary FAQs are based on actual questions from affected stakeholders regarding proper implementation of the new regulations. The supplementary FAQs include new questions and answers as well as expanded answers to some of the questions listed in the December FAQs. As such, these FAQs do not introduce new interpretations or approaches, but seek to provide further assistance in explaining the SOLAS VGM requirements by building on existing guidance material.
Some of the supplementary FAQs explain in more detail how the SOLAS container verified gross mass 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.
Stakeholders are urged to continue to approach any of our collaborating organizations with additional questions that may arise after the enforcement date of the regulation on 1 July. Contact details of subject-matter experts from each of the organizations can be found at the end of the FAQs document.
Container safety is a shared responsibility, and all parties have an interest in improving the safety of ships, their crews and others throughout the containerized supply chain while reducing the risk of damages to cargo.
The FAQs document can be accessed here:
http://www.ttclub.com/loss-prevention/container-weighing/tt-club-briefings/
ABOUT MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY COALITION:
The
World Shipping Council (WSC)
represents the global liner industry on regulatory, environmental, safety and security policy issues. The WSC has observer status at the IMO and was actively involved in the development of the SOLAS container gross mass verification requirements. More information is available at:
.
The
TT Club
is the international transport and logistics industry's leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. The TT Club participated throughout the IMO consultation process leading to the amendment of SOLAS and the related implementation guidelines. More information is available at:
.
The
International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA)
is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains. ICHCA actively participated in the debates leading to these SOLAS amendments. More information is available at:
The
Global Shippers' Forum (GSF)
is the world's leading global trade association representing shippers engaged in international trade moving goods by all modes of transport. GSF was actively involved in the debates at the IMO leading to these SOLAS amendments. More information is available at:
