The new SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) VGM (Verified Gross Mass) regulations have been strictly enforced since 1 July 2016. The result has been increased costs for importers due to the requirement for suppliers to verify the correct gross weight of the goods and container in order to be accepted at the export terminal.

Suppliers in their various countries of export have encountered a range of fees depending on what pricing their service providers settle on. Suppliers have the option to avoid the additional costs of having the container weights verified via a weighbridge if they are able to make an accurate declaration by calculating the gross weight of the goods and then adding the tare weight of the container. Heavy fines are being put in place for incorrect declarations however which is resulting in many exporters taking the option to have the VGM calculated via a weighbridge.

For further information or clarification please contact Tomax on 1300 186 629 and ask for Don McKenzie.