GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

ISO Freight Weight Verification Standards

As soon as a sea freight shipment is declared for loading, the verified gross mass of the container must be on record – this is where ISO Freight Weight Verification Standards come into play.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/Verified-Gross-Mass-(VGM).aspx

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

125

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

As soon as a sea freight shipment is declared for loading, the verified gross mass of the container must be on record – this is where ISO Freight Weight Verification Standards come into play. They define measurement procedures, testing methods, calibration requirements, documentation obligations, and permissible measurement tolerances, ensuring that shippers, forwarders, shipping lines, and customs authorities work with consistent, reliable weight data. In sea freight, Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a statutory requirement under the SOLAS convention; ISO standards provide the technical framework for compliant implementation. Incorrect weight declarations not only trigger excess freight charges or customs disputes – they can compromise a vessel's stability. Weighing equipment must be calibrated, results fully documented, and the data communicated to the master in time before stowage.