The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has confirmed to adopt new changes to the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) Convention as of 1 July 2016. From this date, all export containers will need to have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declared by the exporter to the shipping line.

Exporters have two options via which to calculate the VGM of containers.

1. Weigh fully loaded containers via a weigh-bridge or other container weighing equipment

2. Calculate the VGM by adding the total weight of the goods packed, any dunnage used in packing, and the tare weight of the container

There are as yet no guidelines as to how the SOLAS amendments and VGM declarations will be enforced, but it is likely that penalties will be introduced at some stage. These changes have been adopted as a measure to reduce the risk of injury to seafarers which can occur when the actual weight of containers is greater than declared.