SOLAS VGM – Enforcement Effective July 1

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and are enforced beginning July 1, 2016.

Effective July 1, 2016, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) requires the shipper named on ocean carrier’s bill of lading has to provide a verified gross mass (VGM) for packed container. The declaration of the verified gross mass should be signed and dated by a person duly authorized by the shipper and submit to the carrier via either electronic interchange channels or a physical shipping document. Without a verified gross mass, the packed container shall not be loaded aboard ship.