Weighing of containers: Member States to bring clarity on the national implementation and to take a coordinated approach
20 April 2016
As from July 2016, all “shippers” must declare to the carrier in advance the verified weight of packed containers. ESPO has joined the European organisations representing Shippers, Freight Forwarders and Terminal Operators in the call on national authorities to avoid any disruption in the logistics chain and to take action in coordination to preserve level playing field.
To ensure that the implementation of the new legal requirements does not create competition distortion through a patchwork of varying national measures, Member States should pursue a coordinated approach, taking into consideration the national guidelines of other Member States when deciding on national rules. Commonly accepted guidelines between supply chain actors and national authorities could minimise distortion of competition and ensure smooth functioning of the SOLAS requirements.
Being only two months away from the entry into force of the SOLAS convention, Member States should bring clarity as soon as possible.
In November 2014, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) agreed upon rules for the mandatory weighing of all sea-bound containers to be loaded on a vessel. The undersigned organisations accept these rules and are committed to working towards the successful implementation of the new legal obligation.
The joint letter can be found here.
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