WSC report reveals 11.39% deficiency rate found by government cargo inspection programmes

WSC report reveals 11.39% deficiency rate found by government cargo inspection programmes
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has submitted a comprehensive report to the IMO’s CCC11 sub-committee, consolidating container inspection data from seven countries during 2024. It identifies deficiencies related to dangerous goods or marine pollutants in packaged form on board ships or in port areas. 11.39% of the 77,688 containers inspected showed deficiencies including mis-declared and undeclared dangerous goods, incorrect documentation, and improper packing – all of which can lead to serious safety incidents.
Key findings include:
- Placarding and marking deficiencies in 4,373 units
- Stowage/securing failures in 4,125 units
- Documentation issues in 913 units
- Packaging problems in 804 units
- Structural deficiencies in 63 units
The highest deficiency rate was reported by a single country was 54.97%. These findings highlight ongoing risks in the handling of dangerous goods and the need for improved compliance and oversight.
WSC urges more port States to contribute inspection data via the IMO’s GISIS system to strengthen global safety efforts. The report also supports the launch of WSC’s Cargo Safety Program, which aims to proactively detect mis-declared dangerous goods using AI screening and standardized inspection protocols.
ICHCA International, as a partner with WSC in the Cargo Integrity Group, supports WSC’s efforts to address these risks and encourages industry stakeholders to review the report and engage with the new safety initiatives.
WSC News Release
IMO CCC11 Submission
Download the full WSC report (PDF)