Freight forwarders have hit back at claims that they are to blame for the rise in misdeclarations of dangerous goods at sea. This after shipping lines earlier this year announced the implementation of fines amounting to several thousands of dollars for dangerous goods misdeclaration. According to Jens Roemer, chairman of the International Association of Freight Forwarders Associations (Fiata) working group for sea transport, several lines instituted heavy fines within weeks of each other for the misdeclaration of dangerous and hazardous cargo, citing several incidents at sea as the reason. Roemer said while shipping lines had publicly stated they were stepping up measures to make shippers more accountable following the rise in maritime incidents this year, one was led to conclude that it was mainly forwarders that were making the misdeclarations. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Roemer. “We must be clear. Fiata fully supports the finding and prosecution of those who knowingly misdeclare dangerous goods. There can be no other discussion about it, but we suggest that one looks deeper at this problem and finds the root of the cause.” He said to minimise human error it was imperative to digitise processes of passing on information. “Training and awareness around the declaration of dangerous cargo must also be increased. This is the right approach.” But, said Roemer, shipping lines themselves were increasingly offering all kinds of services online, including customs clearing. “Forwarders all know how complex compliance with national customs regulations are. Could it be that shipping lines are too opportunistic and going directly to shippers that they refer to as beneficial cargo owners or BCOs? Could it be that the highly specialised freight forwarder in hazardous and dangerous cargo could have ensured a higher degree of compliance and in the process avoided claims?” According to Roemer there was no doubt that forwarders were much closer to their customers and far better positioned to guide and consult with shippers to ensure compliance and avoid any misdeclarations. He said Fiata would continue to monitor the situation and discussions would be held at the next meeting of the organisation’s working group for sea transport in February next year.
INSERT: Training and awareness around the declaration of dangerous cargo must be increased. – Jens Roemer