This has been advocated by the World Shipping Council (WSC) for many years; In order to strengthen maritime safety and reduce risks during maritime transportation, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revised the Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which stipulates that each container carrying goods for export needs to verify its weight before loading (VGM "verified gross mass"); This provision is legally binding and enforced globally, effective from July 1, 2016.

The shipper on the ocean bill of lading or sea waybill is the responsible party for providing verification of the gross weight VGM of the loaded container; The shipper is responsible for informing the shipper and the dock operator of the verified gross weight VGM information before loading or within a reasonable time.

The shipper can verify the gross weight VGM of the cargo container using the following methods:

1. Weigh the loaded container; or

All packages and goods are weighed separately, including the weight of padding, packaging, and protective materials, as well as the tare weight of the container.

After verification, the gross weight VGM information should be clearly marked in a part of the shipping documents, such as the booking application or shipping instructions, or a separate document including a statement of weight certification. The document declaring the verified gross weight VGM must be signed by the shipper or a person authorized by the shipper; After verification, the gross weight and signature can be sent in electronic form.

Consequences and penalties for lack of verified gross weight VGM information: The SOLAS Convention stipulates that shippers and terminal operators are not allowed to load cargo containers without verified gross weight VGM. Shippers and dock operators who violate this regulation will be subject to trade and operational penalties, such as delays in goods and additional costs incurred; The punitive measures may involve costs such as repackaging, modifying documents, port demurrage fees, extension or cancellation of goods.

Please note the updated status of Xingang by CIFF Tianjin office on August 27, 2015:

In 34 weeks, most new port export ships are delayed by at least one day and will affect future shipping schedules;

Some operators have insufficient container/container equipment, such as Maersk;

Customs has further resumed work, but has not yet returned to normal;

Due to the continued traffic control in the explosion center area, some CY/CFS operations have not resumed to this day. Most CY/CFS do not have sufficient capacity to load/load containers, causing severe traffic congestion at the New Port dock gates, so more time is needed for loading. Even if customs clearance is completed, it is still possible to miss the scheduled vessel.