Shoddy paperwork delays Durban customs documents

DELAYS AT customs in Durban could cost you money if your paperwork is not ready well in advance of vessel arrival time, according to forwarding major, Safcor Panalpina. "Lengthy delays are being experienced from time to time in processing documents at Durban customs," said Geoff Epstein, internal auditor. "In recent weeks turn-around times of up to eight days have been recorded." And there's no way out of it unless you submit documentation timeously, he added, as customs cannot be held responsible for the results of documentary hold-ups. Legislation precludes the department from being held liable for storage fees arising from such delays.