Trade and customs
Demurrage and detention
Definition
Charges for keeping a carrier's container beyond the free time, inside the terminal (demurrage) or outside it (detention).
Shipping lines allow a set number of free days. Demurrage is charged when a loaded container stays in the port terminal beyond that time, often because of delays in customs clearance or documents. Detention is charged when the container is kept outside the terminal beyond the free time, for example at the buyer's warehouse.
Missing or wrong documents for chemicals, such as an SDS, a COA or a licence, are a frequent cause of these costs.