GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Tare weight

Tare weight is the unladen mass of a container, packaging unit, or transport vehicle, measured without any cargo on board.

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_(Gewicht)

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

Tare weight is the unladen mass of a container, packaging unit, or transport vehicle, measured without any cargo on board. Added to the net weight of the goods, it yields the gross weight of a shipment – a calculation that underpins customs declarations, bills of lading, and freight invoicing on a daily basis. On ISO shipping containers, the tare weight is stamped directly onto the door panel. For road vehicles, it determines the permissible payload: maximum authorised mass minus tare weight equals available load capacity. Any discrepancy between declared and actual tare weight can trigger customs queries, detention holds, and billing disputes, making accurate figures essential for both forwarders and carriers. The term should not be confused with deadweight tonnage, which expresses a vessel's total carrying capacity.

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⚡ Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar replaces E-dec and NCTS. Passar 1.0 (export) is live, Passar 2.0 (import) starts from Q2 2026. Roadmap, ePortal registration, deadlines and FAQ — all on one page.

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0 → Q2 2026Passar 3.0 → Q2 2027

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Tare weight

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Related Terms

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