What is detention?
Detention is the charge to use carrier’s full container, when it left port terminal or approved Inland Container Depot, after detention free time expiration. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing inspection by DRC Customs, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.      

What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the container rental charge applicable, after free time expiration, while container is still inside port terminal or approved Inland Container Depot. In case of a demurrage dispute, email fayette.mikano@msc.com / dorcas.ebale@msc.com  and describing the reasons for the dispute.  
 
What are storage charges?
A storage charge is applicable for containers left inside container yard after terminal free time expiration. Our stevedore Congo Terminal is the one managing storage calculations and payments.
 

Government approval status

The government position regarding the implementation of the verified gross mass (VGM) amendments in the SOLAS Convention has been defined 2016.

Verified gross mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
In line with Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, Congo terminals is now allowed to use their certified scales to record shipment VGM, but the result must be validated by an accredited organization approved by the Local Maritime Authority (DIGEMAR). 

What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions:

• Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
• Container number
• VGM (kgs)
• Shipper/Authorised Party’s signature   
• Shipper/Authorised Party's name
  
   

How  submit my VGM instructions?

VGM instructions should be submitted through  myMSC portal

Deadlines for sending VGM instructions

Instructions must be recorded before the vessel closing date, i.e. 72 hours before vessel arrival.

Admin fees and costs 

Any cost or consequences caused by delay, misdeclaration or manual entry of VGM instructions is payable by shipper.

Contact information
For more information, please contact the MSC Congo Republic customer service team
Email :  serein.boubote@msc.com or justie.moukoubouka@msc.com 
Tel:  +242 05 639 67 00    

ECTN in Republic of Congo
ECTN must be included on OBL for all shipments destinated to Congo, it’s not compulsory to be mentioned on Cargo manifest.  The ECTN is the abbreviation for Electronic Cargo Tracking Notice. The ECTN number is known as the NVU (Numéro Visa Unique) and must be mentioned on the Bill of Lading. The ECTN is mandatory both for export and import cargo. The Import ECTN must be arranged by the shipper through recognized website. The Export ECTN must be arranged at Pointe Noire CCC (Conseil Congolais des Chargeurs) head office by the local exporter. An approved ECTN can be corrected before arrival of the vessel at Pointe Noire.

The following are prohibited for both important and export

• Illegal drugs
• Guns, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Pornographic material

If in doubt regarding any commodity not listed above, please contact our Import/Export documentation Team: babette.goma@msc.com or gael.nguembo@msc.com 

Hazardous materials are strictly regulated by port Authority: 
Find the list here

 

Ports and terminals

MSC operates services to and from Congo Republic with our stevedore teams serving as support to our customers.