VGM Declaration Template - Verified Gross Mass

Container Number	Tare (kg)	Cargo (kg)	Gross (kg)
MSCU1234567	2200.00	18500.00	20700.00
MSCU7654321	2180.00	21200.00	23380.00

Container Number

Tare (kg)

Cargo (kg)

Gross (kg)

MSCU1234567

2200.00

18500.00

20700.00

MSCU7654321

2180.00

21200.00

23380.00

What is a VGM Declaration used for?

The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Declaration became mandatory under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention on July 1, 2016. This regulation was introduced to prevent accidents caused by misdeclared container weights, which can lead to vessel instability, container stack collapses, and serious safety risks at sea.

VGM is the total weight of a packed container, including all cargo, dunnage (packing materials), pallets, securing equipment, and the container's tare weight. Without a valid VGM certificate, shipping lines and terminals are legally prohibited from loading the container onto a vessel—there are no exceptions to this requirement.

The SOLAS regulation provides two approved methods for determining VGM. Method 1 involves weighing the entire packed and sealed container using calibrated equipment like weighbridges. Method 2 involves weighing all individual cargo items and adding them to the container's tare weight. Both methods require certified weighing equipment and must be performed by the shipper or an authorized third party.

Certifying the accurate gross weight of packed containers for sea freight

Complying with SOLAS maritime safety regulations (mandatory since 2016)

Enabling containers to be loaded onto vessels at terminals

Preventing vessel instability and container stack collapses

Documenting the weighing method used (Method 1 or Method 2)

Providing legal certification signed by the shipper

Supporting safe stowage planning on container ships

How to create a VGM Declaration

Enter shipper information

Add the shipper company details including name, address, and reference number.

Select weighing method

Choose Method 1 (weighing packed container) or Method 2 (weighing individual items plus tare weight).

Add container details

Enter each container number with its tare weight, cargo weight, and calculated gross weight (VGM).

Review VGM declaration text

Confirm the SOLAS compliance declaration statement that certifies the accuracy of the weights.

Sign and certify

Add place and date of issue, then sign to complete the VGM certificate.

Create in ovrseas

Your questions, answered.

VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the total weight of a packed shipping container including cargo, dunnage, and tare weight. It became mandatory under SOLAS regulations on July 1, 2016 to prevent accidents caused by incorrectly declared container weights, which can lead to vessel instability and container stack collapses.

Without a valid VGM declaration, your container cannot be loaded onto a vessel. Terminals are legally required to reject containers without VGM. You may also face demurrage charges, detention fees, rolled bookings, and penalties from maritime authorities.

Method 1 involves weighing the entire packed and sealed container using calibrated weighing equipment like a weighbridge. Method 2 involves weighing all individual cargo items, packaging, and dunnage separately, then adding the container's tare weight. Both methods must use certified equipment.

The shipper (the party named on the bill of lading) is legally responsible for providing an accurate VGM. The shipper may delegate the actual weighing to a third party, but remains responsible for the accuracy of the declared weight.

Weight tolerances vary by country, but most authorities allow a 2-5% variance to account for normal variations in container tare weight and cargo mass changes. However, significant discrepancies may result in penalties and container rejection.

The VGM must be submitted before the container's cut-off time at the terminal, which is typically 24-48 hours before vessel departure. Late VGM submissions may result in the container being rolled to a later sailing.

Required information includes: booking or B/L number, container number, verified gross mass with unit (kg/lbs), weighing method used (1 or 2), shipper name and address, authorized signatory name, signature, and date and place of signing.

For Method 2, you can use the tare weight marked on the container door, but some authorities require verification. The tare weight should be accurate as container weights can vary due to repairs and modifications over time.

VGM applies to all packed containers being shipped by sea on SOLAS-regulated vessels. This includes FCL (Full Container Load) shipments. LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments are typically handled by the consolidator who provides the VGM.

Penalties vary by country and can include fines, container rejection, denial of vessel loading, and liability for any accidents caused by weight discrepancies. Repeated violations may result in shipping line sanctions against the shipper.

Yes, you can create VGM Declarations for free on ovrseas. Our template includes both Method 1 and Method 2 options and generates SOLAS-compliant certificates ready for submission to shipping lines.

For Method 1: VGM = weight shown on calibrated scale after weighing the packed container. For Method 2: VGM = cargo weight + dunnage/packaging weight + container tare weight. Always use certified weighing equipment.

VGM DeclarationTemplate

VERIFIED GROSS MASS DECLARATION