In cross-border logistics, when goods are placed on "Hold" (also referred to as "Held Cargo"), it can have a range of consequences for the shipper. For cargo owners, the impact is often direct and significant. Held cargo can result in delivery delays, potentially disrupting business operations. Additionally, the shipper may incur extra costs such as storage fees, transshipment charges, and demurrage while resolving the hold.
"Held Cargo" typically arises due to the following reasons:
Customs Inspection: Customs authorities in the Middle East may conduct detailed inspections on incoming goods to verify their legality, safety, and compliance with the declared information. If any discrepancies are found or if further verification is required, customs may temporarily detain the goods, resulting in a cargo hold.
Documentation Issues: If the documents required for customs clearance are incomplete, contain errors, or are otherwise problematic, customs may refuse to release the goods until the issues are fully resolved. This is a common reason for cargo being held.
Intellectual Property (IP) Concerns: If the goods are suspected of infringing on intellectual property rights—such as trademarks, patents, or copyrights—customs may request supporting documentation or initiate an investigation. During this process, the goods may be detained, leading to a hold.
Prohibited or Restricted Items: Certain items may be banned or restricted in the Middle East. If goods fall under these categories, they may be seized or delayed by customs, triggering a hold.
Other Factors: In addition to the above reasons, other factors like political instability, adverse weather conditions, or sudden regulatory changes may also lead to cargo being placed on hold.
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