Dear Working Group Members,
European Chamber is delighted to invite you to the next joint logistics and maritime transport working group meeting on Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:00am, February 24th, 2016 to discuss the SOLAS amendment on Verified Gross Mass and the main industry concerns to be addressed in the 2016/2017 Position Paper. This meeting will be held both in Beijing and Shanghai and will be linked by a video system. Participants in Beijing should go to EU delegation to attend this meeting (朝阳区三里屯西六街乾坤大厦D区4层 Room 5)
The recently amended Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) by International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Verified Gross Mass (VGM) will take effect from July 1st, 2016. It stipulates that all shippers are responsible for verifying the gross mass of a container carrying cargo before loading aboard ship. Without a VGM, the packed container shall be declined. This imminent regulation is believed to vastly affect shippers, forwarders and carriers, but a detailed and clear interpretation of the implementation guidelines has yet come out. How to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulation remains crucial for all parties in maritime transport industry.
The European Chamber is delighted to have Ms. Dorothy Zhang, Regional Manager of Toll Global Forwarding, to present their interpretations of the new regulation. Specific pending issues will be discussed, including but not limited to:
• A uniform VGM template adopted by all carriers if any
• Carrier’s cut-off to receive VGM
• Carrier authorized third party to weigh and issue VGM if any
• VGM issued by shippers under back to back for containers not packed by TGF
• Carrier’s tolerance between VGM and re-verification by terminal operator
• Potential customs impact
• Any penalty if variance exceeds tolerance
After the discussion on SOLAS issues, you are also encouraged to participate in the discussion on the inputs for the Chamber's 2016/2017 Position Paper. It is a good opportunity for logistics and maritime practitioners to exchange views and raise suggestions regarding market access, legislations, best practices and other relevant industry concerns. It would be very much appreciated if you could take a look at the previous 2015/2016 Position Paper and prepare some points before discussion. Please see attached the 2015/2016 Position Paper for Logistics and Maritime Transport Working Groups
Tentative Agenda:
9:00-9:30 Registration
9:30-9:35 Opening remarks
9:35-10:15 Ms. Zhang's presentation
10:15-10:45 Q&A and discussion
10:45-11:45 Discussion on the 2016 Position Paper
If you would like to join the discussion, please register online by Tuesday February 23rd, 2016, COB.
To ensure the best feedback, you are encouraged to submit questions in advance to Mr. Ink Zheng at izheng@europeanchamber.com.cn by Friday February 19th, 2016, COB.