Shipping to and from Venezuela

• Port / terminal Names : All Ports
• Charge type : Import - Combined D & D

Combined Demurrage and Detention

Our setup in Venezuela consist of Combined Demurrage & Detention.

Does not apply to SPOT shipments. For SPOT please refer to the terms and conditions.

This means you will have one combined free time period and compensation fee for utilization of equipment inside and outside of terminals or depots.

Standard free time - Imports

Standard rates applicable after free time*

Does not apply to SPOT shipments. For SPOT please refer to the terms and conditions.

Demurrage & Detention: will count from discharge full (included to empty return (gate-in) of the equipment in terminal or depot
Special equipment: Open tops, flat racks and out of gauge cargo.
Non-Operating Reefer: DnD rules for Reefer equipment will apply to NORs as well.
IMO class (hazardous) is considered a separate type of cargo.
Note: Free time is granted by equipment type and all sizes are considered, example given DRY free time is applicable for 20, 40 & 45’ equipment.

Requirements for Original BL release

• Bill of lading number
• Container number
• Name and ID number of the authorized person
• Letterhead
• Address and phone number
• Sign and stamp of the consignee/customs agent

Release of the cargo

An Original Bill of Lading must be presented by the consignee in any of our Venezuelan offices, another must be presented to the Venezuela Customs in order to clear the cargo and a third Original Bill of Lading is for consignee.

Requirements for the import cargo gate-out

• Original and a copy of the Bill of lading signed by the consignee or the custom agent with the Tax references: RIF, NIT, Address, Phone, Fax and contact person.
• Demurrage Invoice and/or "Delivery Order" paid.
• Freight Invoice paid.
• If the case:
  • Consolidated cargo: copy of the release letter from the consignee
  • Renounce letter for FLC cargo
  • If the consignee shows "TO THE ORDER" the Bill of lading must be signed by the shipper
• Copy of the ID of the authorized person to claim the cargo
• Phone number of the customs agent
• Local charges paid

Shipper's Amendments in BLS

Corrections in BLS from the shipper must be made before manifest is presented to Venezuelan customs of the cargo (before of the arrival of the vessel); otherwise won’t be processed due to local law restrictions.

Collect Charges

Since 1st of February, 2013 any collect charges are not accepted for Venezuela shipments.

WFC: Was decommissioned since March 1st, 2013

DDF Destination Document Fee: Since February 1st, 2013 DDF has to be set mandatory under prepaid terms and must be paid at origin for all Venezuela shipments.

THC payable abroad: Since February 1st, 2012 THC is no longer payable in Venezuela, thus for imports needs to be prepaid.

Cargo Transshipped

When cargo has a different final destination to the discharge port or if the cargo will be transshipped to another port should be placed a clause in the body of the BL indicating the final destination. All import is manifest to Customs in an informatics system. Ordinary Imports are manifested with the Acronyms USO 23, the import cargo with Inland transport are manifested with the acronyms USO 24 and the cargo with transshipment are manifested with the acronyms USO 28. If the cargo is manifested with the incorrect Acronyms, the customer will fail to release the cargo.

The things that differ are:

• Lashing in the floor: Rope is lashed around a lashing bar instead of a ring and the wood piece is fastened between the T-floor bars instead of nailed to the wooden floor. An alternative lashing eye can be fastened to the T-Floor by using two small steel plates, a bolt and a nut.
• Ventilation: The ventilation openings should be kept open during voyage to ensure sufficient airflow and to avoid condensation. Cars should never be loaded when they are wet.

Dry cargo

No allocation restrictions for acceptance of dry import cargo to any Venezuelan ports.

Reefer cargo

No allocation restrictions for cargo to Guanta.

Split Cargo Restriction

Document group restrictions (BLS)

The Seaway Bills, Dummy BLS, Telex release and containers without documents are not acceptable in Venezuela ONLY is accepted Negotiable Shipped Bill type. All cargo without documentation is not allowed to discharge at our port as per local regulations. This means that cargo must be correctly manifested in system showing complete information.

Parties specification restriction

• Do not use "CUSTOMER UNKNOWN" as consignee

• For confirmed bookings with final destination Venezuela, is MANDATORY that Origin Country indicates the following information of Consignee and First Notify in the shipping instructions: 2 Local Telephones numbers / emails and Tax Reference.

• Shipments MUST not be consigned to "MAERSKVENEZUELA S.A." except those cargoes destined to be used by MAERSK i.e. Chassis; Gen Sets; Spare Parts; Provisions; etc.
• Foreign consignees are not allowed
• TO ORDER Bls are not allowed

Note: Venezuela’s Customs Agency does not accept consolidated containers.

Import Customs amendments can be made in a maximum of 24 hours after discharge. Any correction required after deadline must be handled directly to the corresponding customs office.

For Inland service coordination please contact: ve.import@maersk.com.