# Weighing and Weight Declaration for Containers

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> Container weighing and the weight declaration are the procedures required under SOLAS Chapter VI Regulation 2, by which the shipper must determine the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of a packed container and submit it to the shipping line before the vessel's cut-off time.

Container weighing and the weight declaration are the procedures required under SOLAS Chapter VI Regulation 2, by which the shipper must determine the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of a packed container and submit it to the shipping line before the vessel's cut-off time. The VGM can be established either by weighing the fully packed container on a certified scale or by adding the individual weights of all cargo items and dunnage to the container tare weight. The obligation was introduced in 2016 following a series of maritime accidents caused by undeclared or inaccurately declared container weights. Shipping lines will not load a container without a valid VGM submission; incorrect declarations can result in fines and liability exposure. The declaration must be signed by a duly authorised representative of the shipper and referenced in the bill of lading or an accompanying document.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VerifiedGrossMass.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VerifiedGrossMass.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Weighing and Weight Declaration for Containers |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 141 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VerifiedGrossMass.aspx |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/weighing-and-weight-declaration-for-containers/llm-summary?lang=en)*