What is the Hong Kong Convention (HKC)?

Definition: What is the Hong Kong Convention?

The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) is an IMO treaty adopted on 15 May 2009 in Hong Kong, China. It sets globally binding standards covering the entire lifecycle of a ship from design and construction through operation to end-of-life recycling, with the goal of preventing risks to human health, safety and the environment associated with shipbreaking.

HKC entered into force on 26 June 2025, two years after meeting the dual entry-into-force criteria of: (a) ratification by at least 15 States representing at least 40% of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and (b) maximum annual ship-recycling volume of those States representing at least 3% of world tonnage.

What does the HKC require?

HKC has three main pillars:

For ships in operation: Every vessel of 500 GT and above on international voyages must carry a verified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) covering substances in the ship’s structure and equipment (Part I), maintained continuously throughout the operational life of the vessel.
For ships destined for recycling: A complete IHM (Parts I, II and III), an approved Ship Recycling Plan (SRP), and a valid International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRfRC) — valid for only 90 days — before delivery to the yard.
For ship recycling facilities: Authorisation by their flag state through a Document of Authorization of Ship Recycling (DASR), supported by a Ship Recycling Facility Plan (SRFP) and worker safety/environmental controls.

Who is in scope?

HKC applies to:

Ships of 500 GT and above on international voyages.
Flagged in any State that has ratified the convention — over 90 ratifications as of entry into force.
Ship recycling facilities operating in States that have ratified.

Notable timeline triggers: existing ships must obtain an ICIHM at the first harmonised renewal survey on or after 26 June 2025, no later than 26 June 2030. Cyprus-flagged existing ships have a specific 26 February 2026 trigger. New ships must hold the ICIHM at delivery.

Browse flag-specific guides: IHM Compliance by Flag State Hub.

How is HKC enforced?

Enforcement is layered:

Flag-state surveys: Initial, renewal, additional and final surveys by Recognised Organisations (typically IACS class societies).
Port State Control: Inspections at any port can verify ICIHM validity and underlying IHM evidence. Failure is a detainable deficiency.
Recycling-yard authorisation: Ships intended for recycling must select a yard with a valid DASR — recent additions include ClassNK certifications in Pakistan (Prime Green, Salam’s International) and continuing HKC certifications across Alang, India.

To self-score your fleet’s readiness, take the free HKC and EU SRR Readiness Scorecard.

How does HKC compare with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation?

HKC and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR, 1257/2013) have substantial overlap but are not identical:

Substance list: EUSRR adds substances beyond HKC (notably PFOS, brominated flame retardants).
Approved facilities: EUSRR restricts EU/EEA-flagged ships to facilities on the European List of Ship Recycling Facilities (15th edition, February 2026, includes 41 facilities including the first German yard).
Certificates: EU Implementing Decision 2026/116 introduced a unified ICIHM format covering both regimes.
Enforcement: EU Directive 2024/1203 (transposition deadline 21 May 2026) introduces criminal liability for serious environmental offences.

For the deeper EU SRR guide, see What is the EU Ship Recycling Regulation?

What has changed in the first year of HKC?

Ten months into entry into force, the picture is taking shape:

Pakistan now has two HKC-certified yards (Prime Green Recycling Yard in January 2026, Salam’s International in March 2026).
Alang, India: 115 of 128 plots are HKC-compliant, with a 1,224 crore capital programme to double capacity.
NGO Shipbreaking Platform’s 2025 Annual List reports 321 vessels dismantled globally with 85% of tonnage in South Asia — sharpening the focus on yard-selection due diligence.
Bangladesh shipbreaking volumes have dropped sharply (57 ships H1 2025 vs 89 H1 2024) as yards adjust to HKC requirements.
Port State Control inspectors are scrutinising underlying survey reports, not just the existence of the certificate.

Stay current with our Marine News & IHM Updates page.

Want to check your fleet’s readiness?

Take our free 12-question scorecard to score your fleet’s IHM compliance maturity in 3 minutes — or use the deadline calculator to find your next IHM survey deadline.

Take the Readiness Scorecard Open the Deadline Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Hong Kong Convention enter into force?

26 June 2025, two years after meeting the dual ratification criteria.

Does HKC apply to my ship if it's flagged in a non-ratifying State?

Indirectly, yes. Many port State Control regimes will inspect IHM regardless, and recycling under non-HKC routes may not be acceptable to charterers, insurers or financiers. In practice, all ships of 500 GT and above benefit from holding an ICIHM.

What's the difference between an ICIHM and an IRfRC?

ICIHM (International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials) covers operational-life IHM. IRfRC (International Ready for Recycling Certificate) is issued only before recycling and is valid for 90 days, supported by complete IHM Parts I, II and III plus an approved Ship Recycling Plan.

Which classification societies can verify an IHM under HKC?

Any Recognised Organisation authorised by the flag state. Typically the IACS members: Lloyd's Register, DNV, BV, ABS, RINA, ClassNK, CCS, KR, IRS, RS, PRS, CRS.

How does Cyprus differ on HKC application?

Under a circular from the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, HKC applies to existing Cyprus-flagged ships from 26 February 2026 (as opposed to the global 26 June 2025 entry-into-force date). The first harmonised renewal survey on or after 26 February 2026 must produce a valid ICIHM.