A visitor looked up “How to calculate gross and net weight for IMO dangerous goods declaration?”
IMDG Code does not ask for weight but ask for mass of the goods.
The weight of an object is a measure of the force exerted on the object by gravity, or the force needed to support it. The mass of an object is a measure of the object’s inertial property, or the amount of matter it contains.
Watch difference Between Mass, Weight, and Density
- Gross mass = mass of empty packaging + mass of the cargo
- Net mass = mass of the cargo only
Example an empty drum having a mass of 10 kg is filled with 90 kg cargo
- Gross mass = 10 + 90 = 100 KG
- Net Mass = 90 KG
In IMDG Code whenever the mass of a package is mentioned, the gross mass is meant unless otherwise stated.
In dangerous goods declaration the quantity of dangerous goods must be included in gross mass or volume as appropriate
- Class 1 Explosives = net explosive mass
- Empty uncleaned packagings = not required (but carriers will insist some value as their software will not allow empty field)
- Salvage packagings = an estimate of the quantity
- Tank container = cargo mass (The mass of containers or tanks used for the transport of goods is not included in the gross mass).
The number, type and capacity of each inner packaging within the outer packaging of a combination packaging is not required to be indicated but carriers may insist.
Mass of the pallets and dunnage or empty CTU must not be included, this will be calculated in VGM. See boxes 18 and 19 of dangerous goods declaration.
IMDG Code mentions weight when batteries are over stacked that the terminals shall not support the weight of other batteries or materials packed with the batteries and for package stacking tests.
WhatsApp your queries
the IMDG code .4.1.5.1 species that the Total Quantity is declared by Mass or Volume. Your article implies that Kgs are required when its the VOLUME ( Litres) of liquids and Mass Kgs of Solids , articles and LPG. The example of the DGN in IMDG does not follow that set out by the UN and is misleading as it refers to Net mass Kgs
Hi Clive,
Thanks for pointing out,
This article was to clarify net and gross mass in declaration and I missed to mention about volume.
I will amend this article by quoting 5.4.1.5.1 to avoid any confusion,
Once again thanks.
With respect it is easy to confuse reference to Gross mass when really the reference should be to total quantity. Gross weight relates to the overall consignment weight (including non – dg) and is related to general transport regulations which require the declaration of overall gross consignment weights in the same way as the “volume” when referring to the overall volume of the consignment is related to the calculation of freight charges which are based on per tonne or cbm. A lot of trainers overlook that the DGN format is based on a commercial document referred to as a Shipping Note and was also used as a Wharfingers note when these were used in conjunction with the issue of the Bill of Lading
Clive,
Thanks for your valuable comments.
Regards/Shashi