A waiver is a shipping document required when carrying products to or through nations in Central and Western Africa. Before any shipments arrive at the port, the waiver must be filed. The waiver includes information about the exporter or importer, the value of the shipment, the method and type of shipping, the freight cost, and the name of the vessel.

The waiver must be sent before the ship arrives at the designated port. However, it must be addressed beforehand, either by the importer or the exporter. Once the transmission is completed, a waiver number is generated, which must be included in the Bill of Lading, or B/L, so that your ocean freight items are not delayed at the destination port. Failure to do so may result in your shipment being detained by the local customs office.

The waiver document will result in increased expenses for either the importer or the exporter. This will need to be negotiated between the two parties, particularly when discussing international transportation conditions such as the Incoterm. These fees vary depending on the destination country, the type of shipping, and the volume of the package. The sooner you schedule your shipment, the sooner you'll obtain your waiver, allowing for a smoother shipping process.