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What can an exporter do if the goods get stuck in port?

Updated: Aug 2

Normally there is very little chance for cargo rejection. In foreign trade, it is to be believed that business is a relationship. Any issue can arise when relationships between both parties fail. And these disputes can be solved between them if both ends agree to solve the issue.


The prime reason for the rejection of cargo is when the quality of goods is compromised. This means if an exporter does not care about the quality of the material of the product he is exporting and does not match up to the specifications required by the buyer then the buyer strictly refuses to accept the cargo.

Some buyers intentionally find reasons to reject the material of the product. In this case, the seller is completely sure about the quality of the product. To avoid such a problem, the seller must send the buyers a sample of his product so they can find it better for purchase, and then the export should be made.

There are a number of reasons for goods to get stuck at port. So, the actions to be taken when the goods get stuck in port.




Some of them are as follows:

Rejection of Cargo before custom clearance at the destination port.

  • If there is a default in the product quality and quantity at the seller's end then the seller/exporter should request the buyer of the product to take the consignment at a discounted rate to avoid rejection.

  • If the buyer refuses to take the consignment after offering a discount, then contact your other buyers to buy the consignment at discounted rates in the same country. If you fail to contact those buyers too, then try to find an individual who will get ready to buy the cargo.


  • Approach your buying agent to resell the goods in the destined country.

  • Every country has commission agents who have expertise in handling such goods. So, try to search for a commission agent in the destined country to sell the product.

  • Calculate the cost of freight and other expenses for return transportation to your factory.

2 -Rejection of cargo after custom clearance at the destination port. When goods are rejected after import customs clearance, the cost to the exporter of retaining the goods is very low, as they may already be in the custody of the buyer. The possibility of resale, return to the seller, etc. may cost you more. It is best to ask the same buyer to accept the goods and offer a discount on future shipments to compensate for the loss.

3 -Rejection of cargo due to issues raised between the end parties. The cargo may be abandoned at the port of destination for other reasons, such as disputes between importer/buyer and exporter/seller. In this case, you may resell the goods to other competitors or recall the goods to your plant at the port of loading, engage an overseas agent to handle the goods for resale, etc.


4 -“Better safe than sorry”.

It is easier to prevent something bad from happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened. Find out the customs regulations of the country you want to ship to before you start the process. This includes general information about the environment you're shipping to or from, requirements regarding language, paperwork, and items that may be prohibited or problematic in certain regions.

Some countries update their import/export regulations frequently, so even frequent exporters should review relevant policies and regulations regularly to avoid being surprised by sudden changes in laws and procedures.

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