What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the customer warehouse.  

What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land.  

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: samantharaphaela.lafalaise@msc.com - (email subject: Dispute + Invoice Number), describing the reasons for your dispute.  
 
What is Per Diem?
Per Diem is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s container (full or empty) outside the marine terminal, or container yard.   

In case of Per Diem disputes, email: samantharaphaela.lafalaise@msc.com - mentioning the invoice number in the email subject. Please describe the reasons for your dispute. 

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

Detention and demurrage: updated payment policy 

 Please note our D & D agency collection (DECSA) will no longer accept check copies or written guarantees to release shipments from detention and demurrage hold.  

The following options are available for release of shipment: 

• For immediate release, payment must be submitted directly to DECSA. 
• If the payment cannot be done directly to DECSA, payment by check is acceptable.

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 Haiti are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments. Download our Haiti VGM policy and terminal guidelines for more information. 

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 (lbs. or kgs.)
• Responsible Party Name
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS

How can I submit my VGM instructions?

• myMSC (Free of Charge) 
• EDI (via myMSC)
• Manually (via myMSC)
• Emails: rachelle.abdon@msc.com and  yvrose.belinette@msc.com (note: the emails will only be monitored for VGM declarations)

Guidelines for submitting your VGM instructions

• We encourage customers to submit their  Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before cargo is delivered. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against the cargo at Haiti port of loading, which will be billed to the shipper of record
• Any shipper of record-signed VGM will override any VGM derived at or by the terminal
• For truck delivery, the ultimate deadline for VGM submission will be 48 hours of vessel ETA

MSC admin fees and costs 

• VGM misdeclaration fee: 150 USD per misdeclaration, per container
• Late VGM submission fee: 25 USD per container
• Terminal fee for VGM service is 50 USD

It is illegal to bring the following items into or out of Haiti.

Import

• Articles containing dog or cat fur  
• Designated plants  
• Counterfeit money  
• Certain weapons, e.g., specific switchblade knives  
• Media with immoral or seditious content, such as child pornography  

Export

• Narcotics and some medication containing prohibited substances  
• Cooper scrap articles containing dog or cat fur  
• Designated plants  
• Counterfeit money  
• Certain weapons, e.g., specific switchblade knives  
• Media with immoral or seditious content, such as child pornography  

Port and terminal

MSC operates services to and from the following port and terminal, with local teams to support our customers.