With reference to the circular from TASAC (Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation), it is regulated that shipping lines cannot impose container cleaning charge for empty boxes returned by customers. The local authority has given below directives with effective 31st October 2019. We highly appreciate the full support of your good company for the strict compliance with immediate effect.
Clearing and forwarding agents shall return empty containers to ECD (depots) in clean condition in order to safeguard export cargo from Tanzania and any cleaning activity shall be arranged by individual clearing and forwarding agent or cargo owner;
ECDs shall ensure containers are returned in clean condition before accepting them into the yard; and
Shipping agents and ECDs shall not collect container cleaning charges from clearing and forwarding agents or cargo owners in the absence of Board Order to approve tariff for container cleaning or any similar services
For your best reference and arrangement per the basic standard of our company, a container shall be considered clean if there is no presence of:
- Labels, marks or signs related to previous cargo, including hazardous cargo labels
- Loose soil, sand, mud, dirt, cargo residue, animals, insects, dunnage or other general rubbish
- Infestation by animals, insects, fungi or another living organism
- Cargo securing devices such as metal or wire straps, cables, chains, string, rope, etc.
- Tape plastic and/or any other material
- Glue or adhesive or any other sticky material on walls, floor, ceilings, etc.
- Nails, bolts or any other fixing devices protruding above the level of the floor
- Any persistent, obnoxious or unpleasant odours in the container
- Marks, stains or contaminations, including hydraulic fluid from cargo handling equipment & potentially hazardous contaminations
- Loose sealant, internally in reefers
Please coordinate with your clearing and forwarding agents for the necessary arrangement and ensure the empty container return in clean and sound condition so as to avoid any delay in process. If you have any queries, please contact our local Customer Service and Sales for assistance.