Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.

Government approval status

• Beirut port authorities will specify at least two weigh bridges in the port for weighing containers.
• They will weigh the truck with the full export container, than weigh the empty truck or vice versa.
• Containers can be accepted to be gated in the port without VGM, but will not be loaded on the vessel.
• No VGM = No loading

What to include in your VGM instructions

• Booking or Bill of Lading number
• Container number
• VGM + unit
• Authorized person’s signatory (submitter of the VGM who may be authorized to act on behalf of shippers
• Responsible party Name
• Date and Time

How to submit your VGM instructions?

• Fax, emails
• myMSC 
• Shipping instruction signed.

Deadlines for sending your VGM instructions?

48 hours prior vessels’ arrival to Beirut port.
Admin Fees and costs
Nothing is announced yet.

Recommendations

• Please make sure to keep the VGM records.
• Containers are to be weighted in Beirut port premises.
• VGM should be signed by the shipper named on the bill of lading (B/L) ; or by a person duly authorized by shipper.
• The signature should be the name in capitals of the person authorized to sign it.
• If shipper fails to provide the VGM, container will not be loaded on the booked vessel, and all the charges that  will result will be on shipper’s account (storage, demurrage, plugging, etc.).
• In case of VGM method 2 (calculation method) or in case of a shipment re-exported from Beirut, pls contact MSC Lebanon Export Documentation office for assistance

Contact information

• Tel: 01 440677
• Fax: 01 566919
lbn-documentation-export@msc.com

Prohibited Cargo to Lebanon

Imports

• Used Tyres
• Agricultural products on yearly time table
• Cars older than 8 years old
• Cars operating on diesel older than 5 years old
• Trucks operating on diesel older than 5 years old with payload less than 3.5 tons, and steering wheel on the right side.
• Trucks operating on gasoline with payload less than 3.5 tons.
• Vehicles unsuitable/not fitted for safe driving : like damage on the vehicles' chassis , or welded vehicles after damage, or flooding/fire damage , or rusting-corrosion that would affect its solidity or balance.
• Half of a vehicle rear/front parts for avoiding any welding to be made for local assembling after entering the Lebanese territory.
• all kinds of electronic cigarettes and Nargileh (Hookah)
• Used motorcycle where its power engine is less than 125cc.
• Used motorcycle where its power engine is  more than 125cc and used ATV more than 3 years old.
• It is allowed to import Antique used motorcycle which is more than 30 years old.
Monopolized Cargo - Cigarettes & Tobacco
Cigarette shipments should be addressed to “Regie Co.” only. However, the government has permitted importing cigarettes to “Beirut Free Zone” on condition that the client has a private warehouse in the “Beirut Free Zone” area. Depot number in the Free Zone should be clearly indicated along with the Consignee’s
name in both B/L and manifest.

 Prohibited Cargo from Lebanon

Export

Monopolized Cargo - Cigarettes & Tobacco
Shipper for cigarettes & tobacco shipments loaded from Beirut Port should be “Regie Co.” only. However, the government has permitted exporting cigarettes from “Beirut Free Zone” on condition that the client has a private warehouse in the “Beirut Free Zone” area. Depot number in the Free Zone area should be clearly indicated along with the Shipper’s name in both the B/L and the manifest.
This list is subject to change without prior notice.

MSC operates services to and from Beirut Port in Lebanon with local teams to support our customers.