You Paid Additional Charges to Release Your Cargo. Can You Recover the Money?
Prepared by the Maritime & Admiralty Team at Soliman Advocates
This article has been prepared by the firm's maritime lawyers as part of Soliman Advocates' Maritime Legal Insights series, drawing on the team's experience in Egyptian maritime law and shipping disputes.
An importer may pay an additional amount simply because it needs its cargo released.
But payment does not necessarily end the right to challenge the charge.
Keep the invoice or debit note, proof of payment, correspondence requesting payment, and documents explaining the charge.
Then identify the nature of the amount: Freight? Demurrage? Detention? Storage? Transshipment? Or another charge?
The next step is to examine the contractual and legal basis of the demand and determine whether the amount was actually due.
Did You Pay Additional Charges to Release Your Cargo? Soliman Advocates – Cargo & Customs Department can review the demand and payment documents and assess the available options for challenging or recovering the amount.
Prepared by: Cargo & Customs Department – Soliman Advocates
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific matter or dispute. Identifying the responsible party and the appropriate recovery route depends on the nature and timing of the damage, delay or shortage, the carriage and insurance terms, the applicable law or international convention, and the specific facts of each case. Payment made to obtain release of cargo does not necessarily determine whether the amount was legally due, and the consequences of payment depend on the circumstances and manner in which it was made. The relevant documents should be reviewed with specialized legal counsel before taking any action.
Facing a live maritime matter?
Our team is available 24/7 for urgent ship arrest and time-critical applications in all Egyptian ports.
Related Insights
Your Chocolate or Confectionery Shipment Melted at Sea. How Do You Prove Who Is Responsible?
Cargo ClaimsHow Much Can You Recover for a Damaged Chocolate or Confectionery Shipment? Understanding the Carrier's Limitation of Liability
Cargo ClaimsYour Container Arrived at a Different Port. What Should You Do?