DCSA unveils industry’s first API-based Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Standard

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has announced the publication of its new API-based Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Standard – the first such standard developed under its VGM exchange framework.   

Currently, Verified Gross Mass (VGM) data is shared through a patchwork of emails, spreadsheets, portals, and EDI messages, each with different formats and rules. This fragmentation creates manual work, inconsistent visibility, and operational inefficiencies.  

The new DCSA VGM Standard introduces a single, unified API for real-time submission, validation, and exchange of verified container weight information among shippers, carriers, terminals, and other stakeholders.  

Fully aligned with SOLAS requirements and built on the DCSA data model, it provides a clear path toward more automated, integrated and reliable VGM processes. The standard also aligns seamlessly with existing DCSA APIs, including Booking, Track & Trace, and eBL. This marks a major step toward simplifying compliance, improving transparency, and accelerating digitalisation across the container shipping industry. 

In addition, category-leading shippers and carriers have played an active role in shaping this standard, reflecting strong industry demand for streamlined VGM workflows and improved interoperability.