The development and maintenance of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is the key requirement for shipowners under the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR). Whilst the HKC has not yet come into force, the EUSRR has, and has wide application (to shipowners within the EU, vessels flagged within the EU and non-EU vessels calling to EU ports).

Fundamental to the development and maintenance of the IHM is the collection of available information relevant to the ship’s construction and equipment through the Material Declaration (MD) and the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). These are required by the EUSRR (and the HKC when it comes into force) to be provided by the suppliers of relevant parts and equipment delivered to the shipyard (IHM-development for new ships) and shipowners (IHM-Maintenance).

This Industry Guidance is specifically aimed at clarifying the exchange of information between shipowners and suppliers through the supplier’s submission of MDs and SDoCs. It will assist shipowners and suppliers in understanding and complying with their obligations with respect to MD and SDoC under the HKC and EUSRR, reducing the administrative burden for shipowners and suppliers, and ensuring the provision of accurate information necessary for the maintenance of IHM.

This Industry Guidance is co-sponsored by BIMCO, International Ship Suppliers & Services Association (ISSA) and the International HazMat Association (IHMA).