Danish shipping giant Maersk has introduced steep penalties for mis-declared container cargo, with charges of US$5,000 per container and US$15,000 for dangerous goods violations, reports Chennai's Hindu daily.

The company said weight mis-declaration poses serious risks, including cargo shifting, container collapse, leakages, chemical reactions and fires. The policy aims to strengthen compliance and uphold international shipping standards.

Maersk has applied administrative fees for mis-declared cargo since August 2019. The latest revision targets persistent violations, including incorrect commodity names, undeclared hazardous materials, and overstuffing beyond payload limits.

Under Indian DG Shipping rules, Verified Gross Mass (VGM) must not deviate more than 1,000 kilograms from the declared weight. Breaches are considered violations of SOLAS regulations mandated by the UN's International Maritime Organisation.

Maersk said deviations in VGM and mis-declared dangerous goods continue to occur, with some bookings changed from hazardous to non-hazardous status. The company did not disclose the number of reported cases.

Accurate declarations are essential for safe and efficient cargo handling, including loading, stowage and discharge. The new charges are intended to prompt timely corrective action when non-compliance is identified.