Dear Customer,

Following recent hazardous cargo misdeclaration incidents which seriously endangered the vessel and crew safety and the condition of other customers' cargoes on board, we wish to reiterate and notify as follows:

According to standard worldwide applicable law, International conventions, industry practice and ZIM’s Bill of Lading terms and conditions , the shipper is deemed to have guaranteed to the carrier the accuracy, at the time of shipment, of the cargo description, as furnished by him, and the shipper is responsible for all consequences of Misdeclaration, and is obligated to indemnify the carrier against all loss, damages and expenses resulting from inaccuracies in such particulars.

Misdeclaration includes but not limited to: incorrect/partial declaration, late declaration, alteration or omission of such declaration.

The above compulsory guidelines and certain related guidelines are also reflected in clauses 13.1 and 14.1 of ZIM's bill of lading terms and conditions.

In addition, kindly note that the carrier has the right to discharge the cargo and perform inspections at any time or place and to take any danger preventive measures, including but not limited to disposal of same, and is further entitled to recover all his losses and expenses from the shipper in the event of such Misdeclaration.

• Without prejudice to the above and, in addition to and on top of any other losses and/or damages for which the shipper shall be fully liable, a charge of USD 12,000 per container will be imposed upon the shipper for any such misdeclaration (which also constitutes a breach of contract). 
• Acceptance by the shipper of ZIM’s bill of lading, shall be considered as acceptance of the above terms and special charge to be charged where applicable.

 

Yours faithfully,

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.