How to Avoid Demurrage Charges

Demurrage is one of the biggest “silent thefts” affecting importers. Each day of delay = SAR 50–500 per container. If you have 10 containers stuck for a week = SAR 5,000–50,000 in penalties!

What Are Demurrage Fees?

Charges imposed by ports on shipments that remain after the free storage period (typically 5–10 days).

Common Causes of Delay

1. Missing documents — the most common cause
2. Wrong customs classification
3. No SABER/SFDA certificates
4. Arriving during peak periods
5. Late payment

5 Steps to Avoid Demurrage

1. Prepare Documents Before Shipping

All documents must be ready before your shipment arrives:

• Original commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin
• Packing list
• Additional certificates (SABER, health, etc.)

2. Use Pre-Clearance Service

Pre-clearance lets clearance procedures begin before your shipment arrives. Result: clearance in 2 hours instead of 48.

3. Track Your Shipment Daily

Don’t wait for a notification — know your expected arrival date and start procedures before it.

4. Choose an Experienced Broker

An expert broker avoids mistakes before they happen.

5. Have Funds Ready for Duties

Inability to pay = procedures stop = penalties accumulate.

OBOOR’s Demurrage Guarantee

OBOOR covers demurrage caused by:

• ✅ Customs
• ✅ The shipping line
• ✅ The OBOOR team

Provided your documents are complete on your side.

Bottom Line

Demurrage is 100% avoidable. All you need: planning ahead + an experienced customs partner.

Get a quote from OBOOR — and the demurrage guarantee comes by default.