Solas container weight verification requirement

Do I need a new SOLAS container weight verification?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented a SOLAS amendment, or change to existing regulations, to require that containers and their contents must be weighed prior to loading. With up to 20% of TEUs shipped with an incorrect weight, the need for a revised SOLAS Container Weight Verification was clear.

How do you weigh a container under the SOLAS amendments?

Under the SOLAS amendments, there are two permissible methods for weighing: Method 1, which requires weighing the container after it has been packed, or Method 2,2 which requires weighing all the cargo and contents of the container and adding those weights to the container’s tare weight as indicated on the door end of the container. 3.

Do SOLAS amendments require a carrier to verify a shipper's weight?

Nor do the SOLAS amendments require a carrier to verify that a shipper providing a verified weight according to Method 2 has used a method which has been certified and approved by the competent authority of the jurisdiction in which the packing and sealing of the container was completed.

Does a packed container have a verified weight?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has amended the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require, as a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship for export, that the container has a verified weight. The shipper is responsible for the verification of the packed container’s weight.

Who is responsible for verifying a packed container's weight?

The shipper is responsible for the verification of the packed container’s weight. This requirement will become legally effective on July 1, 2016. After that date, it would be a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a vessel if the vessel operator and marine terminal operator do not have a verified container weight.

What are the SOLAS amendments?

The SOLAS amendments provide that there are two methods shippers may use to determine the container weight once the container packing process has taken place. This requirement will apply globally.