Calculator and rules
Weight shortage allowances under SMGS and CIM: calculator
Author: Outturn · Published: · Last reviewed:
Under SMGS Article 43 the carrier is liable only for a shortage beyond 1% of the mass for dry and 2% for liquid or wet goods that naturally lose mass (plus 0.3% for each transhipment), and beyond 0.2% for goods whose mass does not decrease naturally; under CIM Article 31 the allowances are 1% and 2%. Part beyond the allowance = shortage − allowance × consignment-note mass. The calculator below works it out in kilograms; sources are at the bottom of the page.
Allowances in one table
| Convention | Cargo | Allowance | Transhipments | Article |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMGS | Dry, naturally loses mass (e.g. grain, fertiliser) | 1% | +0.3% each | Art. 43 §1 |
| SMGS | Liquid or presented wet | 2% | +0.3% each | Art. 43 §1 |
| SMGS | Mass does not decrease by nature (e.g. metal) | 0.2% | – | Art. 43 §2 |
| CIM | Dry, naturally loses mass | 1% | – | Art. 31 §1 |
| CIM | Liquid or presented wet | 2% | – | Art. 31 §1 |
Formula
- Shortage = mass in the consignment note − mass received.
- Allowance in kg = consignment-note mass × allowance percentage.
- Part beyond the allowance = shortage − allowance in kg (0 if negative).
Calculator
Shortage: 850 kg (1.25%); Allowance: 1.30% = 884 kg; Beyond the allowance: 0 kg
The shortage is within the allowance: the carrier is not liable under this rule.
Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored. The result is indicative; your contract may say otherwise.
Worked examples
Example 1. Grain under SMGS, one transhipment
Note mass 68,000 kg, received 67,150 kg: shortage 850 kg (1.25%). Allowance 1% + 0.3% = 1.3% = 884 kg. The shortage is within the allowance: 0 kg beyond it. Without the transhipment the allowance would be 680 kg and the part beyond it 170 kg.
Example 2. Fertiliser under CIM
Note mass 65,000 kg, received 64,100 kg: shortage 900 kg (1.38%). Allowance 1% = 650 kg. Part beyond the allowance: 250 kg.
Example 3. Metal under SMGS
Note mass 60,000 kg, received 59,820 kg: shortage 180 kg (0.30%). Allowance 0.2% = 120 kg. Part beyond the allowance: 60 kg.
Checklist before a shortage claim
- Take the consignment-note mass and the method used to determine it.
- Write down your weighing result, the scale type and its verification date.
- Decide the cargo class: naturally loses mass or not; dry or liquid.
- Count the transhipments (SMGS only).
- Compute the allowance and the part beyond it with the calculator.
- SMGS: ask for a commercial act within 3 days; see the claim deadlines.
- Attach weighing records, seal numbers and photos.
Limits
- The calculator applies only the convention allowances; national rules and contracts may say otherwise.
- The permitted error of the scales and the weighing method are not part of the allowance.
- When goods are carried in several packages whose mass is shown separately, the allowance is calculated for each package (SMGS Art. 43 §3).
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the natural-loss allowance for grain under SMGS?
- For dry goods that lose mass by their nature, the carrier is liable only for a shortage beyond 1% of the mass; the allowance increases by 0.3% for each transhipment (SMGS Article 43 §1).
- What is the allowance for liquid cargo?
- 2% of the mass for liquid goods or goods presented for carriage in a wet condition, under both SMGS Article 43 and CIM Article 31.
- What if the cargo's mass does not decrease naturally?
- Under SMGS Article 43 §2 the carrier is then liable, whatever the distance, only for the part of the shortage that exceeds 0.2% of the mass. CIM Article 31 sets allowances only for goods generally subject to wastage.
- Does a shortage within the allowance mean it is lawful?
- The allowance limits the carrier's liability: if the shortage does not exceed it, the carrier is not liable under this rule. If it does, the carrier can be liable for the part beyond the allowance.
- Is the scale tolerance included?
- No. The permitted error of the weighing instruments is a separate question. Before a claim, check how and when the cargo was weighed on both sides.
Sources
- OSJD, SMGS unofficial English text (amendments to 2019-07-01), Article 43: https://en.osjd.org/api/media/resources/710240 (accessed 2026-10-07)
- SMGS Lithuanian text (LTG Cargo), Article 43: https://doc.ltgcargo.lt/lt/dokumentai/SMGS_LT.pdf (accessed 2026-10-07)
- CIM Uniform Rules (COTIF Appendix B), Article 31 'Wastage' (copy hosted by a third party): https://www.tgnfritom.com/media/3sehlfzv/enclosure-v-cim-conditions-uk.pdf (accessed 2026-10-07)