Introduction

Every year, many companies lose hundreds of thousands of CFA francs in demurrage fees simply because key steps were not anticipated.

At Dakar Port, a delay of only a few days can quickly increase the total cost of an import operation.

The good news is that most of these fees can be avoided through better documentary and operational preparation.

Here are the most frequent mistakes seen in import operations.

1. Waiting for the vessel to arrive before preparing the file

One of the most common mistakes is starting formalities only when the vessel has already arrived.

Several documents can be checked well in advance:

  • Commercial invoice
  • Bill of Lading
  • Packing list
  • Possible certificates
  • Customs information

Early preparation often saves several days.

2. Neglecting document quality

A simple document error can block an entire operation.

The most frequent issues include:

  • differences between the invoice and the BL;
  • quantity errors;
  • incorrect goods descriptions;
  • missing certificates.

A preliminary review generally helps avoid these situations.

3. Underestimating customs requirements

Some goods require specific authorizations or certificates.

This is often the case for:

  • food products;
  • agricultural products;
  • pharmaceutical products;
  • regulated industrial goods.

Identifying these requirements early prevents administrative blockages.

4. Forgetting transport organization after customs clearance

A container can be cleared but remain immobilized because no truck is available.

It is recommended to anticipate:

  • transport booking;
  • delivery site availability;
  • unloading resources.

5. Poor coordination between stakeholders

An import operation involves several parties:

  • supplier;
  • shipping line;
  • consignee agent;
  • customs;
  • carrier;
  • freight forwarder.

Poor information flow often causes avoidable delays.

6. Delaying operation-related payments

Some files are ready but remain blocked because payment is made too late.

Port, customs and logistics fees should be anticipated to keep the operation moving smoothly.

7. Lack of daily follow-up

An import operation should never be left unattended.

Regular monitoring makes it possible to quickly detect:

  • a missing document;
  • an additional inspection;
  • an operational delay;
  • a logistics issue.

Practical example

A company imports a container of industrial equipment through Dakar Port.

When the vessel arrives, an error is found on the Bill of Lading. A correction must be requested from the shipper.

During this time:

  • customs clearance is delayed;
  • the scheduled truck is postponed;
  • demurrage fees start to accumulate.

A simple document check before shipment would have avoided this additional cost.

How to reduce demurrage risk

The most efficient companies generally apply the same principles:

  • Prepare documents before vessel arrival
  • Check information consistency
  • Anticipate customs formalities
  • Organize transport in advance
  • Maintain continuous file follow-up

NSG support

At NSG, we support importers with:

  • document verification;
  • customs clearance;
  • port coordination;
  • operations follow-up;
  • final transport organization.

Our objective is simple: reduce delays, limit risks and optimize logistics costs for our clients.

Need assistance with an import operation in Senegal?

The NSG team is available to review your file and propose a solution adapted to your operation.