Key Cut-off Points In The International Container Shipping, SI Cut-off, VGM Cut-off, CY Cut-off (Weight Cut-off) and Customs Clearance Cut-off are four critical deadlines. Below is a detailed explanation of their definitions, requirements and differences.
SI Cut-off (Shipping Instruction Cut-off)
This refers to the deadline for submitting complete shipping instruction and bill of lading details.
Forwarders or shippers must submit full documentation to the carrier before this time, including consignee, notify party, cargo description, container number, seal number and other required information.
Late submission will result in amendment fees, or even prevent the cargo from being loaded on board.
VGM Cut-off (Verified Gross Mass Cut-off)
This is the deadline for submitting the Verified Gross Mass of containers, usually a few hours after SI Cut-off.
In accordance with regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), shippers are required to provide the accurate total weight of each container (cargo weight plus tare weight of the container) prior to loading.
Containers without timely VGM submission will be rejected for loading.
CY Cut-off / Weight Cut-off
Also known as full container return deadline. It is the latest time for shippers to deliver fully loaded containers to the container yard (CY) at the terminal for stowage arrangement.
The usual deadline is 12:00 or 16:00 one day before vessel departure.
Containers delivered late will be rolled to the next voyage.
Customs Clearance Cut-off
This is the final deadline for completing customs declaration and obtaining customs release, generally half a day after CY Cut-off (usually 17:00 one day before sailing).
All customs procedures including declaration, duty payment and inspection must be finished by this time. Cargo without customs clearance cannot be loaded onto the vessel.
Summary & Core Differences
These four timelines are essential for export shipping. Any delay will lead to shipment hold-up and extra charges such as document amendment fees.
- CY Cut-off: Deadline for returning loaded containers to the terminal. Late delivery may cause rolled cargo.
- VGM Cut-off: Deadline for submitting container weight data, usually one day before departure or on the same day as CY Cut-off. Late submission leads to loading refusal.
- SI Cut-off: Deadline for submitting bill of lading information, normally 2 to 3 days prior to vessel departure. Late submission incurs amendment fees.
- Customs Clearance Cut-off: Deadline for customs release, usually 17:00 one day before sailing. Cargo without clearance is denied loading.
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