The document summarizes new regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requiring shippers to provide the verified gross mass (VGM) of cargo containers before loading onto vessels. Beginning July 1, 2016, shippers must provide the VGM to ocean carriers and terminal operators, and containers without a VGM cannot be loaded onto ships. Shippers may use two methods to determine VGM and are responsible for any costs incurred if the VGM is not provided in time. Procedures for providing and submitting the VGM will vary by country.

1. MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY S.A. msc.com
12-14 Chemin Rieu CH-1208 Geneva, Switzerland
T: +41 22 703 8888 E: info@mscgva.ch Page 1 of 2
A NEW REGULATION
FOR A SAFER SUPPLY CHAIN
VERIFIED GROSS MASS EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST JULY 2016
In November 2014, the International Maritime Organization adopted an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea convention
(SOLAS) regarding mandatory container weight verification. The amendment applies to all member states who will, in turn,
adopt it into their own national law. Each country will provide its own guidelines for the implementation.
1. The Situation
Today, weight declarations of loaded
containers are not always accurate. This
leads to an increased risk of accidents
throughout the supply chain.
2. The Challenge
From July 1st
2016, Shippers will be
required to provide the Verified Gross
Mass (VGM) of each shipment to their
ocean carrier and the terminal operator.
It remains the shippers’ responsibility to
obtain and provide the VGM in
accordance with local government
guidelines and before the carrier’s cut
off.
3. The Implication
SOLAS rules state that if a Shipper fails
to provide a VGM to the ocean carrier
and the terminal operator, the
container cannot be loaded on-board
the vessel. In this case, the Shipper is
accountable for any additional charges.
Shippers may authorise a third party to
provide the VGM, however, shippers
remain responsible for the process.
4. Weight Definition
VGM is determined by using the
following methods:
Method 1: Weighing the packed
container once all cargo has been
loaded & sealed in to the container.
Method 2: by calculating the weight of
the cargo (including packaging),
dunnage and the container tare.
5. Empty container weight
(container tare weight)
The container tare weight can be
checked in two ways:
a) The tare weight is physically printed on
the outside of the container doors
b) In the case of method 2, the container
tare weight lookup on myMSC.com
6. Worldwide Procedures
Procedures will vary by country, please
see attached document with the
relevant information.
MSC recommend that shippers keep a
record of VGM’s for requests by
authorities.

2. MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY S.A. msc.com
12-14 Chemin Rieu CH-1208 Geneva, Switzerland
T: +41 22 703 8888 E: info@mscgva.ch Page 2 of 2
A NEW REGULATION
FOR A SAFER SUPPLY CHAIN IN BELGIUM
VERIFIED GROSS MASS EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST JULY 2016
7. GOVERNMENT APPROVAL STATUS
The government will check the procedures and will
certify the methods used. Additional info :
http://mobilit.belgium.be/nl/scheepvaart/container
gewicht
The General Service for Shipping (DGS) will be
responsible for enforcement and implementation of
the VGM regulation within Belgium. More info :
vgm@mobiliteit.fgov.be
8. WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR VGM
INSTRUCTIONS
The following items are mandatory and must be on
all VGM instructions
 Booking or Bill of Lading number
 Container number
 VGM + unit
 Authorized person’s signatory (submitter of
the VGM who may be authorized to act on
behalf of shippers)
 Responsible party Name
9. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR VGM
INSTRUCTIONS
 myMsc.com
 Inttra, GT NEXUS, Certiweight or any other
 Direct communication (only UN/EDIFACT
VERMAS supported)
 Email/Fax (see 12.)
10. DEADLINES FOR SENDING YOUR VGM
INSTRUCTION
VGM must be known to the ship-agent, at least
24hours before physical closing of the vessel. The
VGM cut-off date will be mentioned on the booking
confirmation.
If the VGM is received later, the container will not be
planned/loaded on the vessel.
11. ENTRANCE AT THE TERMINAL
Containers arriving at the gate without VGM will be
allowed at the terminal, however not loaded when
VGM not provided in time. Please be aware that the
terminal has no weighing facilities.
12. ADMIN FEES AND COSTS
If the VGM has to be handled manually by the local
agent, a local fee of 25€ per container will be
applied. This also applies for VGM info added in the
electronic booking.
If the VGM is not received before VGM closing time,
container will be put on hold and all related costs
like demurrage, storage, moves, plugging… will be
for the account of the shipper.
13. CONTACT INFORMATION
 Customer service desk
 Your local MSC contact
info@mscbelgium.com - +32 3 543 22 00