Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels) Convention, 1929 (No. 27) - Germany (Ratification: 1933)

Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

With regard to the question of possible difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention in relation to modern methods of cargo handling, with particular reference to containers, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that only the tare and the maximum permissible weight is marked on the outside of freight containers, whereas the actual weight of containers that are shipped is only marked in the cargo documents and manifests. In the Government’s view the documentation of the weight of the container in the accompanying shipping papers is much more important than the marking of the gross weight on the container itself, as it is necessary to know the weight in advance for storage planning and for the calculation of the stability of the vessel. The Government also indicates that the weight of containers is currently under discussion at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) already makes the indication obligatory for the forwarder because weights are often inaccurately indicated and cause stability problems on the ships. The discussion at the IMO may lead to the mandatory weighing of containers in the future. This would ensure the safety of all concerned and make the inclusion of containers in the Convention unnecessary. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide any relevant information in relation to this Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report including information regarding the application in practice of the Convention, and the comments from the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB) noting that the Convention is fully applied in Germany.

2. With regard to the question of possible difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention in relation to modern methods of cargo handling, with particular reference to containers, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the general observation that it is making on the Convention at the present session.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

The Committee has taken note of the information supplied in the Government's report on the difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention to containers and in this connection it requests the Government to refer to the general observation which was formulated on the Convention at its session of 1987.