Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for ships
The purpose of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is to document which hazardous materials are present on board a ship. This is important for two reasons: protecting the health and safety of crew and shipyard workers, and preventing environmental damage during ship recycling.
Ship recycling facilities use this information to safely manage, remove and process hazardous materials. Therefore, a correct and up-to-date IHM is essential throughout the lifetime of a ship and especially before a ship is recycled.
Non-EU flagged ships must have an IHM Part I and a Statement of Compliance when calling at EU ports. In addition, the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) entered into force on 26 June 2025, resulting in stricter global requirements for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling.
Our approach
Normec Verifavia guides the entire process of preparing the Inventory of Hazardous Materials. Our hazmat experts carry out inspections, take samples and provide full reporting and certification.
Our approach consists of:
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1.
Analysis of ship documentation and drawings
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2.
Preparation of a Visual Sampling and Collection Plan (VSCP)
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3.
Onboard inspections and sampling
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4.
Laboratory analysis of samples
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5.
Preparation of the IHM report
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6.
Guidance during certification by class or flag state
This ensures that your ship complies with EU SRR and Hong Kong Convention regulations.
Expertise in IHM and maritime regulations
Normec Verifavia has a global team of certified hazmat experts who perform inspections, sampling and reporting for IHM projects. We have approvals from multiple classification societies and flag states and work according to international maritime standards.
With more than 1,500 completed IHM surveys and IHM maintenance for thousands of ships, we have extensive experience in IHM, regulations and certification. We support clients worldwide with inspections, reporting, certification and IHM maintenance.
What does this mean for you?
- Compliance with EU SRR and Hong Kong Convention regulations
- Guidance from inspection to certificate
- Fast execution through a global network of experts
- Less risk of delays during inspections or recycling
- Assurance that documentation is correct and compliant
Sustainable ship management with IHM
Regulations regarding hazardous materials and ship recycling are becoming increasingly strict. By preparing and maintaining a correct IHM in time, you prevent problems during inspections, sale or recycling of the ship.
Normec Verifavia helps you keep your ship compliant and prepared for future regulations and sustainable ship recycling.
Would you like to know more about IHM Part I, II and III?
- Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 (EU SRR)
- Hong Kong Convention
- EMSA guidance document on the development of IHM
- EMSA guidance on Inspection of Ships (EU) 1257/2013 on ship recycling
- EMSA guidance on Inventory of Hazardous Materials
- IMO guidelines on the development of IHM
- The IHM Part-I preparation and verification process
- The IHM Part-II & III preparation and verification process
- Preparation of IHM Part I, Part II & Part III Brochure
Frequently asked questions
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The IHM is an inventory of all hazardous materials on board a ship and is required by the EU SRR and the Hong Kong Convention.
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IHM Part I describes hazardous materials in ship construction and equipment. Part II describes operational waste and Part III describes supplies on board when the ship is recycled.
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An IHM is mandatory for EU-flagged ships and non-EU-flagged ships calling at EU ports. In addition, the Hong Kong Convention requires an IHM for ships worldwide when they are recycled.
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An IHM must be prepared by specialized and qualified companies with knowledge of hazmat and maritime regulations.
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It depends on the size and complexity of the vessel, but usually consists of document analysis, inspection, sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting.
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Depending on the regulations, a statement of compliance (SOC), inventory certificate (IC) or international certificate on IHM may be issued by the classification society or flag state.