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Further to our below circular of 4th July 2013, we have now received through the chamber grouping all local ship agents copy of a Customs internal memo to all of their offices in which it is stated that bearing in mind General Resolution 3506 all weights in relation to bulk cargoes have to be controlled through the draft survey and/ or measurement of tanks methods.

In fact, this resolution is already in force and we feel that by way of the control exercised by the Customs in respect of the weights through draft surveys will result in a benefit for the ship owners reason for which, we suggest that the vessel's commands closely follows the Customs draft surveys and/or measurement of tanks trying to jointly agree and sign the results with the authorities keeping a copy of the document on board or get the assistance of a surveyor for such a purpose. In our view this document would be helpful in resolving any disputes with shippers about loaded quantities.

In principle this resolution, as stated in our previous circular, is more for export cargoes but surely it would also apply to import ones or, at least, the owners would be in a better position to invite Customs to carry out a draft survey on import bulk cargoes such as fertilizers which, to our mind, would make the number of customs fines due to discrepancies between manifested and discharged cargo to decrease.