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VGM DeclarationTemplate

A VGM (Verified Gross Mass) Declaration is a mandatory document required under SOLAS regulations that certifies the accurate weight of a packed shipping container before it can be loaded onto a vessel.

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VERIFIED GROSS MASS DECLARATION

Shipper
ABC Exports Inc.
1250 Commerce Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90017 United States
Shipper Reference
EXP-2025-0042
Certificate Number
VGM-2025-0156
✓
METHOD 1
Weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified weighing equipment (e.g. weighbridges, load cell sensing technologies etc).
METHOD 2
Weighing all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be packed in the container and adding the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses, using a certified method approved by the Country competent Authority.
Container NumberTare (kg)Cargo (kg)Gross (kg)
MSCU12345672200.0018500.0020700.00
MSCU76543212180.0021200.0023380.00
VGM declaration
In accordance with the International Maritime Organization(IMO) Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS) convention under regulation 2 of chapter VI which mandates the declaration of the Verified Gross Mass(VGM), the shipper hereby certifies all information on this Verified Gross Mass declaration is true and correct.
Place and Date of Issue
Los Angeles, 10 Jan 2025
Signatory Company
ABC Exports Inc.
Name of Authorized Signatory
John Smith
Signature
Sample document with realistic data

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. Under SOLAS chapter VI, regulation 2, a packed container should not be loaded onto a ship until the master (or their representative) and the terminal representative have its verified gross mass. If the shipper does not provide it, they have to obtain it some other way before loading (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1475, paragraphs 1.1 and 4.2). Containers carried on a chassis or trailer and driven on and off a ro-ro ship on a short international voyage are outside the rule.

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

1

Enter shipper information

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

2

Select weighing method

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

3

Add container details

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

4

Review VGM declaration text

Check the declaration statement you sign to confirm the verified gross mass.

5

Sign and certify

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

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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.
The sample on this page is free to download as a PDF, no sign-up. Creating your own VGM Declarations in ovrseas is free for 14 days with no credit card; after that it is $15 for a week, $20 a month or $192 a year. Our template includes both Method 1 and Method 2 options and lays out the container number, verified gross mass, weighing method and signatory for you to check, sign and send to your shipping line. If you use Method 2, check that your weighing method is approved in the country where the container is packed.
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.

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