IMO works towards harmonisation of regulations

Poor or incorrect packing accounted for 37% of cargo incidents in the global supply chain, according to data released in 2013 by the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS). It was set up by members of the global Container Owners Association, covering a reported 60% of maritime container movements. Misdeclaration of cargo accounted for 24% of incidents, while 84% of substances involved in incidents were dangerous goods, according to Francine Hattingh of Eikos’s marine liability department. The report revealed that half of the incidents involving dangerous goods were related to leakage and 25% to misdeclaration. Hattingh said the International Maritime Organisation had been working on regulation harmonisation across the intermodal supply chain. “In South Africa we still have diverse Acts and regulatory enactments, which must be cross-referenced. New regulations under the Fire Brigade Services Act of 1987 were published in May this year and create obligations regarding emergency plans and reporting of spills, dangerous goods permits and inspections with respect to vehicles carrying dangerous goods,” she said. “When these come into force they will supplement the National Road Traffic Regulations,” she said. It’s imperative that the industry keeps up to date with general and hazardous goods regulations, she added. “Both marine cargo and liability policies void cover for any non-compliance with legislation, which usually comes to light during the survey process following report of an incident,” she said. INSERT 1 37% The percentage of cargo incidents caused by poor packing. INSERT 2 24% Percentage of incidents caused by misdeclaration.