What is detention/demurrage? 

Detention/demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside or outside the marine terminal, railroad facilities or container yard. 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.  

In case of a demurrage dispute, email lv199-rixexport@msc.com or lv199-riximport@msc.com (email subject: Dispute + Invoice Number), describing the reasons for your dispute.  
 

What are storage charges? 
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside container yard (for the use of the land). 

Detention and demurrage: payment policy  
The shipment will be released ONLY after all funds clear.   

Questions about detention, demurrage or storage charges? 
Contact our MSC Latvia team. 

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 are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments.  

  
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 + weight measurement unit (kgs.)  
- Responsible Party Name  
   

How can I submit my VGM instructions? 

- MSC digital platform MYMSC.COM  
- Via Email: Subject to charge  
  

Guidelines for submitting your VGM instructions 

MSC prefers to receive a Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before cargo is delivered. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against the cargo at the Port of Loading, which will be billed to the Shipper of Record. 

The ultimate deadline for VGM submission will be advised by local agent in booking confirmation.   

MSC admin fees and costs  

Manual VGM Submission Fee (applies to email, and inclusion on standard shipping instructions): 10 EUR per container.  

Late VGM Submission Fee: 50 EUR per container.  

VGM Misdeclaration Fee: 150 EUR per misdeclaration, per container. 


Questions about VGM? 

Contact our MSC Latvia team. 

View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods:

Imports
Customs Regulations