GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

IMO Number Screening

An IMO number is a seven-digit, permanent identifier assigned to every seagoing vessel by the International Maritime Organization, remaining unchanged across re-flaggings and ownership transfers.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/MSAS/Pages/IMO-Identification-Number-Scheme.aspx

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

123

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

An IMO number is a seven-digit, permanent identifier assigned to every seagoing vessel by the International Maritime Organization, remaining unchanged across re-flaggings and ownership transfers. Screening this number means cross-checking it against official registries – such as IHS Sea-web or Lloyd's Register – to confirm that the recorded vessel name, flag state, and registered owner match the presented documents, and to detect discrepancies that may indicate identity manipulation or sanctions evasion. The process is a core element of maritime due diligence: it applies when onboarding new counterparties, accepting cargo bookings, and during Port State Control inspections. Because the IMO number cannot be altered, it is the most reliable single identifier for a vessel and the logical starting point for any rigorous vessel verification.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Acceptable Quality Level Logistics

A freight operator receives 1,000 cartons, samples 125 units, and finds 3 damaged – whether that triggers full batch rejection dep…

Learn more

Bureau of Industry and Security

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, controls the export, re-export, and trans…

Learn more

Container Manifest

A container manifest documents all goods packed into a single container, listing item descriptions, quantities, weights, container…

Learn more

NCTS guarantee number

A freight forwarder filing a transit declaration in NCTS must include a valid NCTS guarantee number for each shipment—if it is mis…

Learn more

UID (Swiss business identification number)

The UID (Unternehmens-Identifikationsnummer, business identification number) is the unique business number of every company operat…

Learn more

VAT number

Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and trading companies use a VAT number to identify themselves and their counterparties in cro…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

IMO Number Screening

Next steps

Related Terms

Acceptable Quality Level Logistics

Bureau of Industry and Security

Container Manifest

NCTS guarantee number

UID (Swiss business identification number)

VAT number

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers