Import container release

All import container releases are subject to a container deposit as outlined in MSC Mozambique’s Local Charges Tariff Book.

This deposit is charged to limit the agency's liability over import containers. The container deposit will be fully refunded once the empty container is returned in good condition to the line’s stock and after all outstanding amounts related to the importer’s account are settled.

What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal, railroad facilities or container yard. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing MOZ customs inspections, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.   

What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land. 
  
What are storage charges?
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside the terminal, rail ramp or container yard (for the use of the land).
 
For more details contact your MSC Agency.

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 Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, all marine terminals in Mozambique are now allowed to use their certified scales to record shipment VGM. 
  
What to include in VGM instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions: 

• Booking number
• Vessel, ETA, POL 
• Container number 
• Seal number
• Commodity
• VGM and unit (e.g. 15Ton or 15,000kg)
• Authorised person’s signature, shipper or nominated representative and stamp.

How to submit VGM instructions?

• myMSC (free of charge) 
• Manually, fax, emails – subject to administrative fees as per Local Tariff
  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 Container Terminal
• NO VGM – NO LOADING

Deadlines for sending VGM declaration

The shipper must submit the VGM declarations to MSC 48 hours before ETA of the vessel.

Questions about VGM?

Contact our Mozambique team:
MSC Maputo /Marcelino Buanaique Jr. (marcelino.buanaiquejr@msc.com)
MSC Beira /Joao Paulo Portela (joao.portela@ msc.com) 
MSC Nacala /Simon Kanjanga (simon.kanjanga@msc.com)

It is illegal to bring the following items into to Mozambique.
 
Imports

• Merchandise with fabrication labels of false commerce or origin, books and works of art when they are counterfeit editions 
• Objects, photographs, albums, recordings of sound or images and film of a pornographic nature or other materials that were judged offensive to public morals and dignity 
• Imitations of formulas of postal franchise used in the country 
• Medication and food products harmful to public health 
• Food products that are harmful to public health that cannot be used for other purposes 
• Distilled alcoholic drinks that contain essences or chemical products recognized as harmful such as: Aldeido Benzoico, Badia, Eteres silicitos, Hissopo e Tulinana 
• Hallucinatory and psychiatric substances except when imported for hospital use 
• Other merchandise whose prohibition of importation is established by special legislation

Certain gases as specified below:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Halogens (Halon 1211, Halon 1301 and Halon 2402)
• Carbon Tetrachloride of Carbon (CCL4)
• Other substances banned as per the Montreal Protocol as regards substances that destroy the ozone layer as ratified by Resolution No. 8/93 of the 8th December

Left-hand drive vehicles used for commercial purposes. ‘Commercial purposes’ has been defined as:

• Sale or resale to third parties
• use in transport which generates income
• use in support of income

 View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods for more information on below link.

Ports and terminals

MSC operates services from the following Mozambique ports and terminals, with local teams in each location to support our customers.