IHM Compliance for Hong Kong Flag Vessels

Complete Inventory of Hazardous Materials maintenance and Hong Kong Convention guidance for the fourth-largest international registry (~2,500 vessels). Continuous IHM Part I, II & III updates aligned with HKC, EU SRR and MEPC.405(83) — powered by Varuna Sentinels’ VSIMS platform.

HKC Party ICIHM Required MEPC.405(83) Compliant

Hong Kong Flag — Key IHM Compliance Facts

China (including Hong Kong SAR) is a Hong Kong Convention party. Below are the regulatory pillars every Hong Kong-flagged ship operator should track in 2026.

Hong Kong is a major Asian maritime hub and home to the convention's namesake Diplomatic Conference (2009).

All Hong Kong-flagged vessels of 500 GT and above must hold a valid ICIHM from 26 June 2025.

HKSAR Marine Department issues Merchant Shipping Information Notes covering IHM compliance.

Hong Kong recognises IACS classification societies as ROs for IHM verification.

Strong regional ship-recycling supply (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China) makes end-of-life planning particularly active for HK-flagged tonnage.

IHM Part I, II & III — Hong Kong Flag Specifics

HKSAR Marine Department aligns its IHM regime closely with IMO MEPC guidelines. Material Declarations and IHM Part I follow MEPC.405(83) format with the updated cybutryne threshold.

How Varuna Sentinels supports the Hong Kong fleet

Our cloud-based VSIMS platform delivers continuous IHM Part I maintenance, automated MEPC.405(83)-compliant Material Declarations, IHM Part II & III preparation for end-of-life events, and audit-ready evidence packs for Port State Control inspections. We coordinate with your Recognised Organisation, classification society and recycling yard from the first survey to the final IRfRC.

Explore IHM Maintenance Get a Hong Kong-flag Compliance Audit

Hong Kong Flag IHM — Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Hong Kong-flagged vessels typically get IHM-certified?

Through Hong Kong-recognised IACS classification societies. Many shipowners use Varuna Sentinels BV as their IHM service provider, with the ICIHM ultimately issued by the RO.

Are South Asian recycling yards acceptable for Hong Kong-flagged ships?

Yes — provided the yard holds a valid Document of Authorization of Ship Recycling (DASR) under HKC. Recent ClassNK certifications in Pakistan and ongoing HKC compliance work in India have expanded the pool.

Does the EU Ship Recycling Regulation apply to Hong Kong-flagged vessels?

Not by flag. But Hong Kong vessels calling at EU/EEA ports must produce a valid IHM that satisfies the EU SRR substance list, which includes additional substances beyond HKC.

How are PFOS and PFAS handled in Hong Kong IHM?

PFOS firefighting foams are prohibited from 1 January 2026 under SOLAS Chapter II-2. PFAS materials must be inventoried in IHM Part I, anticipating wider future restrictions.

What about IHM Part II and III for Hong Kong-flagged vessels approaching recycling?

Both Parts must be prepared and approved before the final survey. The IRfRC is then valid for only 90 days, so coordination with the recycling yard is critical.

Related Resources

IHM Maintenance Solution
Cloud-based VSIMS platform overview.

Circular Maritime Economy
Ship recycling, IHM Part II & III, IRfRC.

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IHM by Flag State (Hub)
Browse all flag-state guides.

Our Certifications
RINA, Liberia, DNV Veracity and more.

Get a Tailored Hong Kong Flag IHM Compliance Plan

Book a 30-minute call with our IHM specialists. We will review your fleet’s flag-state obligations, current IHM status, and the fastest path to continuous compliance with HKC, EU SRR and MEPC.405(83).

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