Σε ακραίες περιπτώσεις, ο υποτιθέμενος αποδέκτης μπορεί να είναι να κλέψει το φορτίο και τα έσοδα από την πώληση, ενώ ο πωλητής ή η τράπεζα διατηρεί ακόμα τα πρωτότυπα έγγραφα.

 Δεδομένου ότι οι αρχικοί λογαριασμοί αντιπροσωπεύουν την εγγύηση για την τιμή αγοράς, αν ο μεταφορέας παραδίδει τα εμπορεύματα σε ένα μη εξουσιοδοτημένο μέρος/μέλος που δεν κατέχει το πρωτότυπο, τότε αυτός μπορεί να αρνηθεί στον νόμιμο κάτοχο την ασφάλεια που αντιπροσωπεύουν οι αρχικοί λογαριασμοί….

Ας δούμε παρακάτω, στο δεύτερο -κατά σειρά- χρηστικό άρθρο αυτής της σειράς τελωνειακών συμβουλών από την Cargo360, ποια είναι τα απαραίτητα Βήματα Δράσης σε αυτές τις περιπτώσεις…

Action steps

If the receiving agent asks for authority to release the cargo to a consignee who cannot present an original bill of lading, it is recommended that you consult your legal or insurance advisors in order to obtain the correct indemnity before entertaining any such request. A sound indemnity must include at least:

• Backing by a first class bank, insurance company or mutual association;
• Adequate undertaking value (usually not less than 200% of the CIF value of goods);
• Indemnity for all claims and costs in association with issuing a duplicate bill;
• Validity for at least as long as the minimum period for legal actions under contract in the relevant jurisdictions (not just the time-bar period stated in the conditions of carriage);
• An effective law and jurisdiction clause to enforce the indemnity.

There are also some further practical comments to make and matters to be considered.

As discussed in the article on lost documents, it is always prudent to check with the exporter/shipper (where known) that payment has been made and that it is therefore in order to release the goods from that perspective.

Under no circumstances accept a 'guarantee' signed by the importer alone; it is critical to take robust steps to protect the legal position and secure a full bank guarantee or letter of indemnity.

“It is critical to take robust steps to protect the legal position and secure a full bank guarantee or letter of indemnity”

Implement explicit and adequate training for staff, together with a full escalation process whereby only a designated senior member of staff has the authority to approve requests for irregular releases.

Naturally, ensure you collect any charges due to you or others (freight, duty/ tax, shippers' disbursements, demurrage etc.) before releasing goods. Conversely, do not let any debate or argument about such costs blind you to the absence of the bill of lading.

Do not succumb to any commercial pressure to release goods without the appropriate documents. Under no circumstances accept faxed or photocopied bills of lading or guarantees. Only act upon receipt of original documents.

Το άρθρο προέρχεται από το ΤΤ Τalk Club - Η αρχική μορφή του είναι στη διάθεση της Cargo360