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Global Shippers Forum backs Method 2 for VGM box weigh-ins

THE Global Shippers' Forum (GSF) say cargo owners are struggling to meet the requirements of Method 2 of container weight verification rules by July 1 because different countries have different approaches.

International shippers remain unclear about how to comply with new container weight verification rules, want quality standards to support the necessary processes, and need governments around the world to publish their guidance as soon as possible, reports Lloyd's Loading List.

At last week's meeting of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - the organisation responsible for the amendments to its Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention - representatives from the GSF highlighted the need for countries to work together to solve unresolved problems.

Two methods of weighing have been outlined to meet the requirement that the gross mass of a loaded container (VGM) is verified prior to loading.

Speaking on a panel with colleagues from the World Shipping Council and freight insurance and risk-management specialist TT Club, GSF head of policy Alex Veitch focused on Method 2, which involves adding together the weight of all individual items and packaging, rather than Method 1 to weigh the packed container using certified and calibrated equipment.

Using Method 2, shippers are permitted to calculate the gross mass of the items and packaging rather than weighing them individually provided they are using an audit system authorised by the national government of the country in which they are operating, thus saving time and money.

However, as the deadline approaches for the implementation of the new rules, Mr Veitch said international companies were finding it challenging to establish the requirements for Method 2. In addition, where guidance is available, some countries are using slightly different approaches.

GSF urged member states to use international standards as far as possible for their Method 2 audit authorisation process, such as ISO 9001 or similar quality management standards. This will enable businesses to produce accurate container weight information with minimal impact on trade, GSF argued.

Said Mr Veitch: "International shippers prefer to use international quality management standards as far as possible, to ensure all their sites around the world meet regulated requirements. We urge governments to publish their guidance for container weight verification as soon as possible and to consider the use of ISO 9001 or similar standards in their Method 2 requirements."