How to Distinguish the 3 Core Weights of TC Certificates
Are you often confused by gross weight, net weight, and certified weight when filling out Transaction Certificates (TC)? The three weight fields in Box 4, Box 5, and Box 6 are defined by just one word, and a mistake can directly affect the validity of the certificate and the verification of raw material quotas.
Today, we will help you clarify the differences between these core weights once and for all, based on the official Textile Exchange document Policy for Transaction Certificates, V3.1 (ASR-104-V3.1-2023.10.01).
Box 4 - Gross Shipping Weight (Gross Shipping Weight)
Gross shipping weight refers to the total weight of the products covered by the transaction certificate, including packaging and accessories, measured in kilograms (kg). The gross shipping weight should be equal to the sum of the gross shipping weights of each batch in Box 9.
Box 5 - Net Shipping Weight (Net Shipping Weight)
Net shipping weight refers to the total weight of the products covered by the transaction certificate without packaging, but including the weight of any undeclared parts (including auxiliary materials) within the products, with the unit being kilograms (kg).
The net shipping weight should be equal to the sum of the net shipping weights of each product in Box 10.
Box 6 - Certified Weight (Certified Weight)
Certified weight refers to the total weight of the declared materials in the product, excluding the weight of non-certified materials, packaging, and non-certified parts of the product, but including the weight of all certified auxiliary materials. The unit is kilograms (kg).
The certified weight should be equal to the sum of the certified weights of each product in Box 10.
A table clarifies the core differences
Box 4 - Gross Shipping Weight (Gross Shipping Weight)
Gross shipping weight refers to the total weight of the products covered by the transaction certificate, including packaging and accessories, measured in kilograms (kg). The gross shipping weight should be equal to the sum of the gross shipping weights of each batch in Box 9.
Box 5 - Net Shipping Weight (Net Shipping Weight)
Net shipping weight refers to the total weight of the products covered by the transaction certificate without packaging, but including the weight of any undeclared parts (including auxiliary materials) within the products, with the unit being kilograms (kg).
The net shipping weight should be equal to the sum of the net shipping weights of each product in Box 10.
Box 6 - Certified Weight (Certified Weight)
Certified weight refers to the total weight of the declared materials in the product, excluding the weight of non-certified materials, packaging, and non-certified parts of the product, but including the weight of all certified auxiliary materials. The unit is kilograms (kg).
The certified weight should be equal to the sum of the certified weights of each product in Box 10.
A table clarifies the core differences
| Location of transaction certificate | English name | Contents included | Contents excluded | Core purpose |
| Box 4 | Gross Shipping Weight | Product itself, accessories, outer packaging | None | For logistics declaration and customs clearance, and to calculate the total weight of a full truckload shipment |
| Box 5 | Net Shipping Weight | Product itself, accessories (all accessories, including certified and non-certified ones) | Outer packaging | For calculating the net weight of trade goods |
| Box 6 | Certified Weight | Product itself, accessories (only certified accessories) | Outer packaging, non-certified accessories | For raw material transfer between upstream and downstream, verification of recycled content, and brand compliance inventory check |
Summary
- Weighing the box together = Gross weight of Box4
- Weighing the goods after removing the box = Net transport weight of Box5
- Only counting the certified raw materials = Certified weight of Box6
If you are handling TC letter of credit, document filling, and internal audit of the system, it is recommended to directly save this article. Check it each time you fill out the documents to avoid certificate rejection or abnormal quota due to confusion in weight definition!
About Cotecna Kaixin Certification
Beijing Cotecna Kaixin Certification Co., Ltd. ("BCK") is a third-party certification body accredited by CNAS and ANAB. Focusing on providing certification services covering quality and safety, agri-food products, intellectual property, information security, energy, and sustainability, we have served over 20,000 clients, and remains committed to delivering premium and efficient service to clients, contributing to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.