GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Container Weight Certificate
The Container Weight Certificate records the verified gross mass of a packed container and is mandatory under SOLAS Convention (Chapter VI) for all packed containers carried on international voyages since July 2016.
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Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VGM.aspx
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Definition & Explanation
The Container Weight Certificate records the verified gross mass of a packed container and is mandatory under SOLAS Convention (Chapter VI) for all packed containers carried on international voyages since July 2016. It must state both the cargo weight and the container tare, and must be signed by the shipper or an accredited weighing body after an actual weighing – estimated values are not accepted. Carriers are entitled to refuse loading for containers without a valid certificate. In port operations, the document feeds into stowage planning and crane load calculations, and helps prevent structural damage from undeclared overweight. It is distinct from the weight figures shown on a commercial invoice or packing list, which carry no certification requirement.
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