The regulatory framework behind IHM
Background information on the regulations for IHM practices.
Hong Kong International Convention (HKC)
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships has entered into force in 2025 and sets the global framework requiring ships to carry a certified and maintained Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM). Its associated guidelines specifies various aspects for different stakeholders. One of them is the IHM-Guideline which adds further details and requirements to IHM-management, from development via maintenance to recycling.
EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013
The EU SRR applies to EU-flagged ships and to all ships calling at EU/EEA ports. It also requires a certified & maintained IHM (Part I). In addition, it requires two more hazardous substances to be documented for EU-flagged ships, but only HKC–compliance for all other vessels.
Further regional requirements like UAE-SRR
All vessels of 500 GT and above calling at UAE ports or anchoring in UAE waters must carry a certified and maintained IHM but covering all 16 hazardous substances specified in EU SRR, regardless of the ship's flag!
ISO 30005 - Information control for hazardous materials in the manufacturing chain of shipbuilding and ship operations
Setting the principles for collection and exchange of relevant information from supply chains via manufacturers and suppliers to shipyards and ships for risk-free development and maintenance of IHMs. Strict adherence avoids risks and ensures compliance with a clear management-based approach.
Industry Guidance to Ship Suppliers and Shipowners
The „Industry Guidance to Ship Suppliers and Shipowners on Materials Declarations for Inventories of Hazardous Materials“ describes clearly and in a practical way the principles applying to maintenance of IHMs. It has been developed by experts and persons having been directly involved in the development and application of related requirements from major maritime and supplier associations like ICS, BIMCO, ISSA and others. GSR Services has the same understanding and has not only contributed to its development but also implemented such principles well before the Industry Guidance has been published.
Supplier Declarations (SDoC) & Material Declarations (MD)
The heart of all IHM-related development and maintenance processes. Material Declarations document the presence / absence of relevant hazardous materials in a product; the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity attests the legal basics and confirms accuracy of MD's. The IHM Categorization Tool helps you decide which items actually warrant requesting these documents — it does not replace them, but sets the focus righ and avoids unnecessary workloads.
IHM Categorization Basics
This document describes the applicable requirements and principles for categorizing order items, important compliance aspects, and common misunderstandings. These principles have been fully embedded in IHM-Cat. The document is recommended for all relevant stakeholders and supports streamlined tasks throughout the supply chain. It saves time and reduces effort. Source: IHM - Categorization Tool (PDF) — request a copy.
How IHM-Cat fits in
The tool is a screening and prioritisation aid considering all general and detailed aspects of the above rule-sets. It indicates which items are likely relevant for IHM documentation under the complex sets of rules. Users can direct SDoC/MD requests efficiently to the right addressees. Responsibilities have to remain with the shipowner/operator and their appointed experts, but the analysis results support decision-makings and streamlining of tasks.