Mandatory container weighing from July 1st, 2016
Dear Client,
As of July 1st, 2016 the amended SOLAS agreement for loading containers on board seagoing vessels will be in operation. Subsequently, it will be mandatory to weigh every container before being loaded on the vessel in each port or terminal, worldwide.
The purpose of this weighing is to ensure stability of seagoing vessels and to prevent containers from being incorrectly placed and stacked on board. Instability could arise if the actual weight of the container does not match the weight noted on the shipping documents.
From July 1st, 2016 removal companies are responsible for supplying the audited gross weight of export containers*. Export containers without a verified weight or with an incorrect verified weight, will not be accepted and loaded on board.
*This is applicable to both containers shipped to the Netherlands, as well as containers shipped from the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands, all container booked on a sailing after 01 July, will have to make an obligatory stop at a certified weighbridge after loading at the residence or the warehouse. The certified weighbridge will determine the actual gross weight and an official weight certificate will be issued. This additional container stop and weighing will ensue additional costs. These costs are not (yet) included in the removal price.
For over 50 years, FIDI Netherlands has been the umbrella organization of the Dutch international moving companies with the highest quality label: the FAIM certificate (FIDI Accredited International Mover).
FIDI Netherlands is part of FIDI Global Alliance, the world’s largest organization of independent international removal companies.
FIDI Netherlands is in contact with the Dutch government organizations to seek an ‘exemption’ for weighing of containers that are shipped from the Netherlands. As to date, it is not yet certain whether this ‘exemption’ actually will be granted, but we have good hope that they will succeed.
We therefore have decided to withhold billing of additional costs regarding this matter until July 1st, 2016 (the estimated costs would be € 75.00 / per container shipped from the Netherlands. Excluding any waiting time/hours)), unless of course the ‘exemption’ is granted. In which case, there will probably be no additional costs involved.
For containers shipped to the Netherlands, the costs and method for this certified weighing, will ultimately be determined by our local move partner (in the country of departure). Costs will vary from country to country. Estimates currently vary between € 100.00 – € 350.00 per container.
We expect to receive clarity on costs for each individual country around July 1st, 2016.
AGS KHZ sees its primary task to minimize these costs where possible.
We ask you to trust us that we represent you professionally.
Do you have questions? We are at your disposal.