At IMO MEPC 70th session the amendments to the Annex V of the MARPOL Convention related to the Form of Garbage Record Book were adopted. These amendments were adopted by Resolution MEPC.277(70) with the entry-into-force date 1 March 2018 and include the following:

• Amendments to Regulation 4 and 6 of the Annex V of the MARPOL Convention (garbage discharge provisions) providing criteria for the classification of solid bulk cargoes as harmful to the marine environment by adding the appendix to this Annex (See Annex II);
• Form of Garbage Record Book improved in order to distinguish the information on delivery/discharge to Port Reception Facilities of cargo residues. New form will consist of two parts – Part I remains similar to the present form, Part II will include records for Cargo residues only (HME and Non-HME) (See Annex III to this Circular);
• New category of waste “e-waste” is included in form of Garbage Record Book (See Annex I to this Circular). Definition for this category of waste is already laid down in 2012 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V (resolution MEPC.219(63), as amended by resolution MEPC.239(65));
• Additional table introduced in Part I of the form of Garbage Record Book to ensure the records on exceptional discharges or loss of garbage under Regulation 7 (Exceptions) are kept;
• Alignment of the Regulation 10 of the Annex V (Placards, garbage management plans and garbage record-keeping) to amended form of Garbage Record Book.