Senegalese Customs Fines – Update on the current status

We have been updated on the current status of Senegalese customs fines for alleged cargo shortages by our local correspondent, McLeans and their African network, WAMS.

Members trading to Senegal should be mindful of the potential customs’ fines system and be prepared for any potential delay arising once a shortage is found at the end of discharging operations.

By way of summary, upon completion of discharging operations, the local Customs Authorities may decide to impose a customs fine based on the final figures reported by the stevedores. This could result in an administrative arrest order being issued to the Harbour Master’s Office. It should be noted that it may be difficult to investigate and obtain details of the fine as it is not standard practice of the Authorities to issue the supporting documentation before negotiations.

In order to avoid the delay of any vessel, the Customs Authorities will accept a Club LOU and tend to require that the fine is settled within a specified number of days.

For further information, please see the attached communication prepared by McLeans.

If you have any questions about this news item, please contact your usual claims handler for further assistance.