When a shipment is stuck in a PNG port, the ship is almost never the problem. In my experience, delays come from a short list of causes, nearly all of them preventable, and nearly all of them starting with something done or missed in Australia weeks earlier.
This guide lists those causes, explains who's holding the cargo in each case and what to do about it. It's part of our complete guide to shipping from Australia to PNG.
Key points
- Most delays come from documents, permits, biosecurity and unpaid charges, not from shipping.
- Cargo can be held by Customs, NAQIA, the shipping line or the terminal, each for different reasons.
- Every day of delay adds storage, and possibly demurrage and detention.
- Incorrect declarations can attract penalties of 50% to 200% of the extra duty and tax owed.
- A pre-arrival checklist prevents nearly all of the common holds.
The common causes
| Cause | Who holds it | How to prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Vague or inaccurate goods description | Customs | Describe goods specifically, with materials and use |
| Value queried or under-declared | Customs | Use the genuine transaction value and supporting payment records |
| Packing list doesn't match the cargo | Customs or NAQIA | List every package and its contents accurately |
| Missing import permit | Customs or NAQIA | Get permits before shipping and send copies with the documents |
| Untreated timber packaging | NAQIA | Use ISPM 15 marked, plastic or reconstituted wood packaging |
| Dirty vehicles or machinery | NAQIA | Professionally clean before export |
| Broker not nominated or documents late | Nobody can lodge the entry | Nominate a licensed broker early and send documents before arrival |
| Freight or destination charges unpaid | Shipping line or terminal | Pay promptly so the delivery order and release aren't held |
| Original bill of lading not surrendered | Shipping line | Courier originals early, or use a telex release or sea waybill |
| Consignee details wrong | Customs or shipping line | Match the consignee to the importer's registration with PNG Customs |
| Cargo shipped to the wrong port | Geography | Book the port that serves the final destination |
| Undeclared dangerous goods | Carrier or authorities | Declare hazardous items correctly before booking |
Customs holds
Customs holds usually relate to classification, value or permits. Customs checks that goods are correctly classified and valued before it assesses duty and GST, and it can query anything that doesn't add up. A clear invoice, a matching packing list and a broker who has everything before arrival solve most of these. Our guide to PNG customs clearance explains the process, and our guide to export documents for PNG covers getting the paperwork right at origin.
Some holds are about the goods themselves. Restricted items without a permit will be held, and prohibited items seized. See our guide to prohibited and restricted imports into PNG.
Biosecurity holds
NAQIA inspects goods, packaging and dunnage, and can hold cargo until non-compliant items are treated, cleaned or reshipped. The usual culprits are untreated timber pallets, dirty machinery and food or plant products without permits. Our guide to NAQIA biosecurity rules explains how to prepare.
Shipping line and terminal holds
Even after Customs and NAQIA release the cargo, it won't leave the terminal until the shipping line has issued a delivery order and the terminal's charges are paid. The line needs its freight paid, where that's due at destination, and the original bill of lading surrendered unless a telex release or sea waybill applies. Our guide to PNG destination charges, demurrage and detention explains these charges.
What to do if your cargo is held
- Ask your broker for the exact reason and which agency or company has placed the hold.
- Get the missing document, permit, payment or correction to them as quickly as possible.
- Ask whether an inspection or treatment can be booked straight away.
- Keep track of storage and demurrage, and ask the line about free-time extensions if the delay isn't your fault.
- Keep records of every communication in case you need to dispute charges later.
Penalties make delays more expensive
If a hold uncovers an incorrect declaration, PNG Customs can impose an administrative penalty of 50% to 200% of the additional duty and taxes owed. Correcting errors before lodgement is always cheaper.
A pre-arrival checklist
- Licensed broker nominated and holding all documents
- Commercial invoice with a genuine value and clear descriptions
- Packing list that matches the cargo exactly
- Permits and certificates in place, with copies sent
- Timber packaging compliant, machinery clean
- Freight and destination charges ready to pay
- Original bill of lading surrendered, or telex release confirmed
- Correct discharge port for the final destination, as covered in our guide to choosing between Port Moresby and Lae
- Transport booked for collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long can goods be held?
Until the issue is resolved. Meanwhile storage and container charges keep growing, and vehicles left at a Customs wharf for over 30 days can be forfeited.
Can I claim compensation for a delay?
Carriers generally don't compensate for delays, and standard cargo insurance usually doesn't cover delay. Preventing holds is the only reliable protection.
Who should I contact first if my cargo is held?
Your customs broker. They can see the status in the system and tell you which agency or company is holding the cargo and why.
Part of our complete guide
This article is one step in Shipping from Australia to PNG: The Complete Guide. Other guides in the "arrival, fees, and delivery" stage:
This guide is general information, current at the date of last review. Rates, schedules, duty rates and procedures change, so confirm the details of your shipment with a licensed freight forwarder or customs broker before you act.