Block 4: Total Intended Number of Shipments
Block 4: Total Intended Number of Shipments
← Basel Knowledge Hub/Basel Form Guide/ Block 4
Block 4 – Quick Reference
Total Intended Number of Shipments
Records the total count of individual shipments planned under this notification — the ceiling that movement documents cannot exceed.
Basel Basis
Article 6(1), Basel Convention; Annex V-A Block 4
Field Type
Numeric — whole number count of planned shipments
Required For
All Basel movements. Critical for general (multiple) notifications.
What Block 4 Captures
Block 4 records the maximum total number of individual shipments planned under this notification. This figure acts as a ceiling — authorities will not authorize more movement documents than the number declared here. For single notifications (Block 3 A(i)), this is always 1. For general notifications (Block 3 A(ii)), you must declare the total anticipated shipments for the entire validity period.
Authorities use Block 4 to set consent limits and to track whether actual movements stay within the approved scope. If you exceed the declared number without submitting a new notification, the movement becomes non-compliant.
How to Complete Block 4
1
Single notification (Block 3 A(i)).
Enter
1
. Single notifications cover exactly one shipment.
2
General notification (Block 3 A(ii)).
Enter the maximum total number of individual shipments planned within the validity period. This is your ceiling — actual shipments cannot exceed this number.
3
Align with Block 5.
Your shipment count should be realistic relative to the total intended quantity in Block 5. Divide total quantity by average shipment size to check consistency.
⚠️
Exceeding Block 4 Invalidates Consent
If actual shipments exceed the Block 4 total, you must submit a new notification and obtain fresh consent. Operating beyond the declared ceiling is a compliance breach.
Common Errors – Correct Approach
Wrong
Block 4 left blank on a general notification
Correct
Always specify the total — authorities use this to audit individual movement documents
Wrong
Entering 1 on a general notification when multiple shipments are planned
Correct
If multiple shipments are planned, the number must reflect the actual planned total
Wrong
Actual shipments exceed the Block 4 total
Correct
Submit a new notification before the declared ceiling is reached if more shipments are needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Block 4 always "1" for single notifications?
▼
Yes. A single notification (Block 3 A(i)) covers exactly one shipment, so Block 4 must be 1. Only general notifications (Block 3 A(ii)) can have a number greater than 1.
Can I exceed the Block 4 total later if I need more shipments?
▼
No. If you need more shipments than declared in Block 4, you must submit a new notification and obtain fresh consent from competent authorities. Operating beyond your declared ceiling is a compliance breach.
How does Block 4 relate to Block 5 (Total Intended Quantity)?
▼
Block 4 (quantity of shipments) and Block 5 (total quantity) should be consistent. Divide your total quantity by your planned number of shipments to ensure the average shipment size is realistic for your waste type and transport mode.
Supporting Documents
- vCOP8 Official Form and Completion Instructions — Block 4– Basel Convention official guidance on completing Block 4.
💡
DexMetal Expert Tip
For general notifications, build in headroom. If you plan 10 shipments, declare 12–14. Operational needs change — having unused capacity in Block 4 costs nothing, but running out mid-operation forces a resubmission and a full consent cycle.
← Back to
Block 3: Notification Number
Next →
Block 5: Total Intended Quantity
Need Help Completing Your Notification?
DexMetal's Basel compliance tools guide you through every block with validation and country-specific guidance.