Block 6: Intended Period of Time for Shipment(s)
Block 6: Intended Period of Time for Shipment(s)
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Block 6 – Quick Reference
Intended Period of Time for Shipment(s)
Defines the validity window — the first and last departure dates — within which shipments under this notification must occur.
Basel Basis
Article 6(1), Basel Convention; Annex V-A Block 6
Field Type
Date range — first departure and last departure
Required For
All Basel movements
What Block 6 Captures
Block 6 sets the legal time window during which shipments under this notification may depart. No shipment may leave before the first departure date or after the last departure date. The Basel Convention caps the validity period for general notifications at one year — three years only for pre-consented OECD facilities (Block 3 C: Yes).
How to Complete Block 6
1
Enter the first departure date:
the date on which the first (or only) shipment will leave the country of export. Use DD.MM.YY format.
2
For general notifications (Block 3 A(ii)):
enter the last departure date. This must not be more than 12 months after the first departure date (36 months for pre-consented OECD facilities).
3
For single shipments (Block 3 A(i)):
last departure may be left blank or set equal to first departure.
4
Note:
if a competent authority's consent in Block 20 specifies a different validity period, that overrides Block 6.
⚠️
Block 20 Overrides Block 6
If Block 20 CA consent dates differ from Block 6, the narrower window applies — shipments must fall within whichever validity period is shorter.
Common Errors – Correct Approach
Wrong
Validity window exceeds 12 months for a standard general notification
Correct
Maximum is one year — apply for a new notification if a longer period is needed
Wrong
Date format MM/DD/YY or YYYY-MM-DD
Correct
vCOP8 requires DD.MM.YY — e.g., 01.03.26 for 1 March 2026
Wrong
Shipment dispatched outside the Block 6 window
Correct
Any shipment outside the validity window requires a new notification or formal extension
Wrong
Block 20 CA consent dates ignored when they differ from Block 6
Correct
Block 20 overrides Block 6 — shipments must fall within the narrower of the two windows
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a shipment goes out after the last departure date?
▼
Any shipment dispatched after the validity window closes is non-compliant. You must submit a new notification or request a formal extension from the competent authorities before shipping.
Can I leave the last departure date blank for a general notification?
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No. For general notifications (Block 3 A(ii)), both first and last departure dates are mandatory. Only single shipments (Block 3 A(i)) allow the last departure to be left blank.
How does Block 20 affect the Block 6 window?
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Block 20 shows the competent authority's consent dates. If these differ from Block 6, the shipment window is limited to whichever period is shorter. Always check Block 20 after receiving authority approval.
What's the maximum validity period for pre-consented facilities?
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For facilities with pre-consent status (Block 3 C: Yes), the maximum validity period extends to 36 months (3 years) from the first departure date. Standard notifications are limited to 12 months.
Supporting Documents
- vCOP8 Official Form and Completion Instructions — Block 6– Official Basel Convention form and completion guidance.
💡
DexMetal Expert Tip
Build a buffer into your last departure date. Consent processing by multiple competent authorities can take weeks — if a shipment slips past the validity window due to logistics or authority delays, you need a new notification. A 10–11 month window on a 12-month maximum gives you room.
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Block 5: Total Quantity
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Block 7: Packaging Type(s)
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