09 June 2016

CLECAT Updates Guidelines on Container Weighing

Ahead of the 1 July entry into force of the SOLAS Container Weighing Amendment, CLECAT has updated its guidelines for freight forwarders, national authorities and other supply chain parties on implementing the rules.

Questions and issues covered by the guidelines include the ability for freight forwarders to issue “back-to-back” VGM declarations relying on a declaration prepared by the original shipper, in cases where the forwarder is named as shipper on the Bill of Lading. The guidelines also cover timing and means for transmission of VGM declarations, the margin of error allowed by national authorities, the recognition of authorised weighers, and the due diligence which forwarders should carry out when issuing VGM declarations.