Cost of Non-Compliance
How Much Demurrage Will I Pay If My Container Is Held for Missing a CoC?
At Maersk OOG rates for Durban Container Terminal, demurrage runs ZAR 6,693 per container per day. This is the published tariff for over-gauge containers — standard container rates may differ but are in the same order of magnitude. Demurrage starts accruing from the moment your container arrives at the port terminal, not from when it is formally held for inspection.
What Demurrage Is and When It Starts
The Clock Starts at Arrival
Demurrage is a charge levied by the shipping carrier for the use of their container beyond the agreed free time period. Free time is typically 3-5 days after the container arrives at the port terminal. After free time expires, demurrage accrues daily until the container is collected.
If your goods are held for customs inspection due to missing CoC documentation, the demurrage clock continues to run during the inspection period. There is no suspension of demurrage charges during customs holds.
Demurrage Rate Comparison by Port
Durban vs Cape Town vs Other Ports
Demurrage rates vary by carrier and port. The Maersk OOG rate for Durban Container Terminal (ZAR 6,693/day) is used as a reference point. Cape Town Container Terminal rates are similar. Port Elizabeth (Ngqura) and East London rates may differ.
For precise demurrage rates, contact your shipping carrier. The rates quoted here are based on published Maersk tariffs and are subject to change. Your actual demurrage cost may be higher or lower depending on your carrier and the specific port.
The True Cost of Non-Compliance
Demurrage Plus Penalties
Demurrage is only one component of the cost of non-compliance. In addition to demurrage, you may face: an administrative penalty under Section 91 of the Customs and Excise Act (amount determined case-by-case), potential forfeiture of the goods under Section 87(1), and the cost of arranging alternative documentation or legal representation.
The total cost of a non-compliant shipment can easily exceed the value of the goods themselves, particularly for lower-value shipments.
The CoC Cost Comparison
What Compliance Actually Costs
For a R500,000 CIF shipment, the CoC compliance cost is: inspection fee (charged by the inspection body in China — varies, typically R5,000-R20,000) + cofc registration (R1,997 onboarding + R10,000 minting fee at 2%) = approximately R17,000-R32,000 total.
Compare this to a five-day hold on two containers: R66,930 in demurrage alone. The compliance cost is 25-50% of the demurrage cost for a single five-day hold. For any hold longer than 2-3 days, compliance is cheaper than non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Do demurrage charges apply during customs holds?
Yes. Demurrage charges continue to accrue during customs holds. There is no suspension of demurrage charges while SARS Customs investigates compliance. The carrier charges for the use of their container regardless of why the goods are being held.
Can I negotiate demurrage charges with the carrier?
In some cases, carriers may agree to waive or reduce demurrage charges if the hold was caused by circumstances beyond the importer's control. However, a missing CoC is within the importer's control — it is unlikely that carriers will waive demurrage for non-compliance with the PVoC requirement.
What is the demurrage rate at Cape Town port?
Cape Town Container Terminal demurrage rates are similar to Durban. Contact your shipping carrier for the specific rates applicable to your shipment. The Maersk OOG rate of ZAR 6,693/day is a reference point — your actual rate may differ.
How long are goods typically held for missing CoC documentation?
The duration of a customs hold depends on the specific circumstances and SARS Customs's workload. There is no fixed maximum hold period. Goods may be held until the importer can demonstrate compliance or until SARS Customs completes its investigation. Without a valid CoC, the hold may be indefinite.
Continue Learning
What Happens If I Import Without a CoC?
The full consequences of non-compliance.
SARS Customs Detention Without a CoC
How the detention process works.
Penalty for Importing Without a CoC
The §91 administrative penalty.
The PVoC Programme
Full regulatory context.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Conformity
How to get compliant.
Demurrage at ZAR 6,693/day is far more expensive than CoC compliance.
Register your import CoC on cofc before your Phase 1 goods ship from China.
Sources: Government Gazette No. 54374 (20 March 2026); Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 §87, §88, §91; Maersk published demurrage tariff for Durban Container Terminal. Last verified: 3 May 2026. certificatesofconformity.co.za is an independent reference publication operated by LinkDaddy LLC, a Florida-registered US entity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the SABS, NRCS, SARS, or any agency of the Government of South Africa.