Frequently Asked Questions regarding Imports

The delivery order fee is the administrative cost to issue the delivery order at the counter. This transaction involves our agency ensuring the correct delivery of the cargo against the proper legal documents, fulfilling all financial collections and securing the container for our Principals.

What is the Bank Guarantee Document Processing Fee for?

Our standard procedure is to issue D/O against a properly endorsed Line Bill of Lading. If said Bill of Lading is not available, we have to secure shippers approval, validate banks approval of the legal documents in lieu of B/L and secure approval of the legal department. This involved additional costs and expences. This is an OPTIONAL cost as it’s the choice of consignee.

What is the splitting charge for?

This is the cost of submitting to Customs additional House Bill of Ladings on behalf of a forwarder who may request the same. This is an OPTIONAL charge as shipper can choose to use Line Master Bill of Lading.
The additional and penalty charges are HBL’s submitted less than 5 days and 2 days prior to vessel arrival. These charges do not apply in case POL (Port of Loading) loaded less than 5 days prior to arrival.

What is the gate pass charge for?

The gate pass charge is the expence of processing additional containers involved in a Bill of Lading and printing the gate pass.

What is the Anchorage Charge for?

This is the charge for submitting documents to the Plant Protection department to allow the import of raw cotton. This is based on importer advising us 48 hrs prior to arrival about the consignment, otherwise there may be additional costs.

What is the change of status charge from CY to CFS?

All Line B/L’s are CY/CY and there is no right to the CFS option under any law of the land. All Line costs and risk are based on consignee taking delivery of his container and destuffing the goods at their container yard. If consignee wishes to destuff cargo at the Port/Terminal or Line/Terminal nominated container freight station, this involves extra costs and exposes our company to additional risks. Even though we only accept the change of status subject to consignee accepting all additional costs and consequences, we collect additional charges to cover recent increases in CFS costs that reflect rising cost of real estate, congestion and energy costs.
FYI, there is no time guarantee in which the container is to be destuffed. The terminal is liable to destuff the container as per their time and space constraints. Any detention charges that accrue are the responsibility of the consignee. Terminal charges must be settled directly with the terminal.
This cost is based on being informed 48rs prior arrival of the vessel, otherwise there may be additional costs.
This is an OPTIONAL charge as consignee can take CY delivery as per the contract of carriage.

What is the Afghan cargo charge for?

This is the same as the splitting charge except for Afghan destined cargo. The quantum is higher due to the fact that the cost of compliance to rules for Afghan Cargo are higher. Customs penalties are also onerous.

What is the CY Damage Waiver charge for?

The CY damage waiver cost was introduced to avoid asking consignees to deposit large amounts to cover the international replacement cost of containers as well as the risk to shipping line for default on detention amounts.
The following are the rules governing the waiver.
The waiver has a Rs. 3500 deductible minimum. The consignee pays the first Rs. 3500 damages.
Machinery Clause for Reefers

i. Where reefer is insured, the company shall be liable for loss of or damage to machinery of the container provided such loss or damage arises from external causes.

Duration of Cover

i. Cover under this policy commences from the time the container(s) leave the Lines container yard up to the time they are returned or on completion of 90 days whichever is earlier.

ii. The waiver may be extended for an agreed period provided prior notice is given to the underwriters and additional fee is paid.

Exclusion

i. In no case this damage waiver covers:

a) Loss and/or damage or expense attributable to willful misconduct of the assured;

b) Ordinary wear and tear, ordinary corrosion and/or rust, or gradual deterioration;

c) Mysterious disappearance, unexplained loss of containers.

d) Loss and/or damage or expense arising from insolvency or financial default of owners, transporters and/or consignees or any other party involved;

e) Loss and/or damage discovered prior to commencement of transit;

f) Loss of and/or damage to the contents of container;

g) Loss and/or damage or expense resulting from war, civil war, revolution, rebellion insurrection or civil strife arising therefrom or any hostile act by or against a belligerent power;

h) Capture seizure arrest restrain or detainment and the consequences thereof or any attempt thereat, derelict mines, bombs or other derelict weapons of war;

i) Loss and/or damage or expense arising from the use of weapons of war employing atomic or nuclear fission and/or fusion or other like reaction or radio-active force matter.

j) Terrorism of whatsoever nature.

k) All containers containing iron/steel scrap or any other specialized cargo.

Any damage due to cargo.

This is an OPTIONAL charge. We can quote you our deposit level without this charge.

We have our own insurance, can you accept our policy?

No we cannot. Our waiver has us as a beneficiary and has certain other clauses to protect us.

What is the CFS customs penalty cover charge for?

This is to protect the Line for shortlanding penalties due to shortages while stuffing by the shipper. The agency needs to indemnified by the cargo interest for Customs Penalties which are not the fault of the Line or Agency.

INTEREST : Liability arising from imposition of Custom penalty on Shortlandings/Excesslandings in FCL/LCL Container on CY/CY & CY/CFS basis and destuffed in KPT area and/or at Port Qasim.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY : Rs.25,000/- per consignment

PERIOD OF COVER : 12 months from date to be advise

TERMS & CONDITIONS :

1. Claims to be notified within 10 days from the issue date of Final Outturn Report by the Port Authority.

2. Reimbursement to be made to the Line on producing proof of imposition of Custom penalty and payment thereof.

3. Consignee to take all measures for avoiding or minimizing liability.

4. Declarations in respect of containers destuffed in KPT area and/or at Port Qasim to be made on arrival of the vessel.

Exclusions

1. Break-bulk cargo

2. Containers being destuffed outside the port-Area

3. Unsealed container

4. Container with broken seals

5. Container stuffed by consolidators

6. Containers with seal No. different to seal No. shown in the B/L.

This is a OPTIONAL charge as CFS is OPTIONAL.

What is the CY Security Deposit for?

The CY Security deposit is taken to cover the Line from three types of risks.

i. The risk of damage, loss or destruction of container and to cover the cost of the deductible cost.

ii. The risk that the damage, loss or destruction of the container is excluded from the waiver and therefore consignee is liable for the entire cost.

iii. The recovery of detention charges in case the container fails to come back within the free period.

iv. The risk that the cargo has caused some damage to the container from the inside. This is also excluded from damage waiver.

v. The Security Deposit is our assessment of the risk and is no way limiting the liability of the consignee. Any expences not covered by the deposit must be paid promptly by the consignee as per the letter of guarantee.

Why is my security deposit higher than the published tariff?

Our tariff is calculated based on known risk such as companies profile, location, commodity, and track record. If there a special high risk factors identified, or if the consignee/clearing agent has a known problems in the past, we reserve the right to increase the security deposit.

What is the reefer plug in charges for?

These cover the cost of providing electric power to the reefer container while at the terminal. We do not accept any request to deplug without a bank guarantee for twice the value of the goods.

What are the Self Manifestation charges for?

If any licenced ship’s agent wishes to manifest the container on their own licence, we allow this subject to a fee and deposit. As Master agent we are ultimately responsible should applying agent fail to file, which leads to costs for the container and possible penalties.

What are the after hours charges for?

We are willing to provide service after hours to customers who were unable to get their work done in the normal working hours, but we need to be compensated for the extra costs of overtime and office opening. This is an OPTIONAL charge.

Why does the delivery order have a validity date?

We issue a delivery order basis the fact the container has some free days or consignee has paid detention accrued till date. The validity date is to ensure the consignee takes delivery, either CY or CFS, within a reasonable period. In case they do not they have to pay additional accrued charges and revalidate their Delivery Order.

Why are you not accepting the House Bill of Lading?

We have no interest in the House Bill of Lading. The only important document is the Original Bill of Lading of our Principals. Once surrendered, written instructions from consignee as to delivery instructions are sufficient for delivery.

What is the detention cost?

The detention cost applies from arrival date of vessel till container is returned empty. In cases where Line is responsible to move to a final destination, detention applies from date of arrival at Final Destination.

Container
Type	Free Time	Currency	6th - 12th Days	13th - 19th Days	20th Day Onwards

DV20	5 calender days	USD	10.00	20.00	40.00
DV40	5 calender days	USD	20.00	40.00	80.00

SP20	5 calender days	USD	10.00	20.00	40.00
SP40	5 calender days	USD	20.00	40.00	80.00

RE40	5 calender days	USD	45.00	65.00	75.00

Each calendar day is counted. Any holidays or work disruptions are on consignee account. This is a OPTIONAL charge as containers can be bought back within the free time.

What is demurrage and port storage?

Demurrage and port storage are charged by the terminal or port and Line/Agency have no involvement in this charge. Any charges levied by the terminal including gate charges, lift on/lift off, equipment cleaning charges etc are settled directly with Port/Terminal.

Why have you not allowed me the free days my supplier negotiated?

Please ensure you have written proof of your agreement either on a message or on the Bill of Lading.
Please bring this to our attention prior to getting the delivery order issued.

Can I get a discount on charges?

Yes, you can get discount on the following basis.

i. Previous track record of business.

ii. Volume of business.

iii. If you have applied for the same to our Customer Service or Sales department. This application needs to submitted at least one week prior to arrival of vessel or else it will not apply till the next consignment.

iv. The application needs to state the following information: Brief company history, volume of business, what benefit our company will get from offering a discount to you.

v. For deposit reduction, the format is here.

What are the document formats I need to submit?

Please click on below link to see sample.

i. CFS request letter

ii. Covering letter

a) This letter must be on the letterhead of the consignee, showing full contacts, phone, fax and email.

b) The letter must refer to the consignment with the Emirates Line Bill of Lading number clearly mentioned.

c) The letter must explicitly authorize us to deliver container to your nominated clearing agent whose full name and style are mentioned.

iii. Container guarantee bond paper.

iv. Bank Guarantee LOI

We have had repair charges deducted from my deposit while there was no damage?

There must be some damage showing on the EIR (Equipment Interchange Report), otherwise you wouldn’t be charged. You have the right to your own surveyor if you wish to contest what the terminal reports.
If you are contesting repair inside the container, you can get in touch with your shipper/supplier. They are responsible to ensure they pick up containers in sound/clean condition before they load the cargo.

I have had damage to my container, but there was damage waiver coverage, why are we having to pay?

The damage waiver policy has exclusions, which are listed above.
If damage to the container has occurred because of the cargo, then damage is on cargo account which we have to recover from consignee or shipper, but first lien is on consignee. Cargo damage is excluded from damage waiver.

What happens if my container gets damaged while out of port?

You must immediately report to our company any damage occurred. Write to contlog@pk.emiratesline.com

Are there any time based deadlines I need to watch?

Yes, as below

Document	Deadline	Penalty	Per
House Bill of Lading	48 hrs prior to arrival	Rs.1,500.00	HBL
CFS Request	48 hrs prior to arrival	1,500.00	Container

Actual Customs Penalties are in addition to above

What is the CFS deposit for?

We take the CFS deposit to protect the Line from shortlanding claims.
We also need to ensure that we have funds to cover detention for container and repair cost if any. CFS operation is entirely at the risk and consequences of the consignee.

What is the procedure to issue a Delivery Order on the basis of bank guarantee?

Release of Cargo against First Class Bank Guarantee

i. If a Consignee wishes to take delivery of his cargo but is unable to surrender a duly endorsed original Bill of Lading due to reasons whatsoever (documents misplaced, lost or not yet arrived at destination), this cargo must not be released, unless the following conditions are met:

ii. A first class bank guarantee has been provided by the Shipper, the Consignee or a third party interested in the cargo release. This guarantee is to be for 200% of the CIF-value and valid for 6 years or until the reappearance of the missing original Bill of Lading.

iii. The Line's Letter of Indemnity is to be jointly signed by the party providing the bank guarantee and by the bank involved.

iv. Under no circumstances should this Letter of Indemnity be signed by the Consignee alone.

v. The Shipper is to approve the cargo release against the bank guarantee in writing (unless he is the provider of the bank guarantee).

What do I need to do if Bill of Lading is surrendered at origin?

You need to prove your identity as the rightful consignee.
You need to indemnify us with a Letter.

How long does it take to get a security deposit refund?

If container is damaged, a maximum of seven days. We provide SMS notification if processed earlier.
If we claim damage through damage waiver, refund is subject to claim approval.
If there is no container damage and no previous disputes with our company, a maximum of three days. We provide SMS notification if processed earlier.

What is an encashment certificate and why do I need it to pay freight?

Pakistan is a foreign exchange regulated country.
In order to remit your freight to our Principals, we need to apply to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The SBP requires importers to provide an encashment certificate to us in order to process the remittance.
The certificate is available from the bank where the L/C was opened or can be provided by a SBP Authorized Dealer after giving them the required foreign exchange.

How do I register to use SMS and Email inquiry features?

Just fill up the form and fax it to us at +92 21 2435315