By the Ebbrate editorial team · checked 18 October 2026 against the sources at the end
The verified gross mass rule
The International Maritime Organization amended SOLAS chapter VI regulation 2 to require the mandatory verification of the gross mass of packed containers. The change entered into force on 1 July 2016. The verified gross mass is a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship: without it, the container stays on the quay.
Two methods for the verified gross mass
- Method 1: weigh the packed and sealed container.
- Method 2: weigh all the packages and cargo items, including pallets, dunnage and securing material, and add the container’s tare mass, using a method certified by the competent authority of the state where it is packed.
Who provides the verified gross mass
Under SOLAS, the shipper named on the bill of lading is responsible for stating the verified weight in the shipping documents. In practice, for goods bought FOB or FCA, the supplier or the forwarder that packs the container weighs it and sends the figure to the line before the cut-off.
Verified gross mass and LCL
For loose cargo, the consolidator that packs the shared container provides its verified gross mass. Your own carton weights still need to be accurate, because they go into that figure. See FCL vs LCL.
Sources
A guide, not legal advice: rules change, and your customs broker has the last word on your entry.