Shippers, Are You Ready For SOLAS' Verified Container Weight Mandate?

Do you export your goods in an ocean-going cargo container? If so, are you ready for the SOLAS amendments that go into effect July 1? A little planning ahead of time will prevent your boxes from being left on the docks.

In November 2014, the Maritime Safety Committee ("MSC") of the International Maritime Organization ("IMO") adopted amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ("SOLAS") for the purpose of addressing the  alleged failure of shippers of containerized cargo to provide carriers with accurate weights for loaded containers tendered for international transportation.  The amendments, which become effective on July 1, 2016,  require shippers of packed cargo containers (regardless of who packed the container) to ensure that the container's "verified gross mass" ("VGM") is stated in the shipping document. SOLAS also requires the shipping document to be: (1) signed by the shipper (or a person authorized by the shipper); and (2)