Connecting Sri Lanka to the world
At MSC, we offer reliable and efficient shipping services both to and from Sri Lanka, working with a range of markets and suppliers seeking to do business in and out of the country.
Contact our team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services
Detention, demurrage, Per Diem and storage charges
What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal until the empty is handed over to the designated MSC depot. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing customs inspections, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.
What are storage charges?
Terminal storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside the terminal. These charges need to be settled directly to the terminal based on their published tariff. If the containers are abandoned, the line will be responsible for the storage charges.
SOLAS VGM information
What is VGM?
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 SOLAS (Safety of Lives at Sea) regulations, all marine terminals in SL are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments.
Government approval status
The Director General Merchant Shipping of Sri Lanka (DGMS) under Ministry of Ports & Shipping is the sole regulating authority of VGM in Sri Lanka.
Accepted Tolerance
The threshold for gross container weight tolerance will be 5% (+/-) or 01 Ton (+/-) per declared weight as mentioned in the VGM certificate. Container exceeding the threshold is not allowed to load on the vessel.
Terminal Gates will be checking VGM certificate when Container entering to Terminal stack.
No container will be accepted to vessel stack without having valid VGM after 01st of July 2016.
How to submit your VGM instructions
myMSC – customer can upload VGM data and PDF file of the VGM certificate.
Deadlines for sending VGM the instructions
Based on the standard CY cut off 12 hours prior vessel Berthing would be the VGM cut-off for none-EU cargo.
Containers arriving or VGM submitting after 12 hours cut-off would not be loaded on vessel. EU cargo , VGM cut-off is BL Draft. Submission weight declared at the time of cut-off should capture when transmitting manifest for EU cargo.
MSC admin fees and costs
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Weight amendment fee: USD 25/- per container.
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Incorrect weight declaration above 1 mt USD 25/- per container.
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Manual submission of VGM USD 15/- per container.
Recommendations
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As per DGMS, we will keep all the VGM certificates under our custody.
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Submission of VGM certificate dully signed by shipper is mandatory requirement.
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In case of container shut-out or additional expenses at Terminal due to VGM issue, shipper is responsible for all the additional costs
Questions about VGM?
Import related letters
Seaway - Consignee Acknowledgement:
Please use this specimen for requesting e-Delivery orders for shipments under Seaway bills.
Bank Guarantee:
Please use this specimen for requesting e-Delivery Orders, in the event of delays occur in receiving original BLs by consignee.
Kindly note delivery against bank guarantee will be issued only upon receiving the shipper's & port of loading MSC agent's approval.
FCL Guarantee:
Please use this specimen for guaranteeing the empty container/s’ returning to MSC line’s nominated container depot in Colombo.
Refund :
Refund request format.
Consignees requested to email the refund request prepared in their respective letterhead to email lk093-MSC.refunds@msc.com. (specimen attached herewith)
Download Refund request format here
Prohibited cargo
It is illegal to bring the following items into Sri Lanka.
Imports
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Particular meat products, e.g. pieces where the identification of the definite part of the Carcass it was taken from is not possible
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Condensed milk containing less than 31 per cent of milk solids
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Foodstuffs if deemed unfit for human consumption
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Lathyrus sativus
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Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and living modified organisms (LMOs; please see the section on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) below)
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Appliances for discharging gas, including pistols, pistol-pens, pistol pencils, hand grenades, cartridges, ect., except if imported by or on behalf of the Government
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Dummy firearms, walking stick guns and similar hidden guns
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Chinese firecrackers containing explosives which are deemed dangerous. (subject to approval from the Ministry of Defence)
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Sword canes and similar hidden knives capable of cutting or stabbing
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Articles bearing imprints deemed as derogatory to any religious teaching
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Publications which may provoke acts punishable under the Penal Code
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Indecent publications
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Lottery proposals, circulars, or tickets
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Counterfeit money
View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods.
Exports
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Narcotics
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Pornography
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Anti-religious materials
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Indian and Pakistani Currency
View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods.
Visit Sri Lanka customs website here
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Last update: 2024-12-23T02:39:00