A 2016 requirement with a continuing business purpose
The IMO explains the verified gross mass requirement under SOLAS regulation VI/2. Amendments adopted through resolution MSC.380(94) entered into force on 1 July 2016. Incorrect container mass can affect a ship's stowage decisions and safety.
In Spain, the Maritime Administration resolution of 15 June 2016 was published on 30 June 2016. This historical reference identifies the introduction of the national arrangements; review applicable procedures for the operation concerned.
Check the container and voyage scope
MSC.1/Circ.1475 applies the SOLAS VGM requirements to containers within the CSC scope that are to be stowed aboard ships subject to SOLAS chapter VI. The guidelines include tank-containers and flat-racks, and specify exclusions, including a particular case involving containers driven on and off ro-ro ships on short international voyages.
Check the voyage and national implementation before applying a general container-weighing rule. The Spanish 2016 resolution expressly excludes voyages entirely between national ports.
Identify who provides the VGM
The shipper is responsible for obtaining and documenting VGM and communicating it to the master or representative and the terminal representative in time for the stowage plan. Identify that party from the transport documents and contract; it is not necessarily whoever physically packs the container.
A VGM is a condition for loading, not a guarantee of acceptance. The master retains discretion. The declaration should be signed by a person authorized by the shipper, as explained in section 6 of the IMO guidelines.
Understand the two permitted methods
The SOLAS framework allows weighing the packed container, or determining the masses of the cargo, packages, pallets and packing or securing materials and adding the container's tare mass. The second method requires certification and approval under the competent authority's arrangements in the State where packing was completed.
Use weighing equipment meeting the applicable calibration and certification requirements. Method 2 is not suitable for every cargo: the IMO guidelines identify certain bulk cargoes for which individual weighing is impractical.
Keep CSC, SOLAS and dangerous goods duties distinct
The CSC concerns container structural safety, including testing, approval, inspection and maintenance. Its safety approval plate does not establish the actual VGM of a particular packed load.
VGM also does not demonstrate compliance with ADR or maritime dangerous goods requirements. Treat those obligations as separate parts of a multimodal review. Agree responsibilities, document transmission and the applicable terminal deadlines before dispatch. DGSA can help review that coordination; contact us with the shipment context.