The case in question involved alleged discrepancies in the declaration of ship's stores in respect of paint, thinner and grease. It was claimed that the master underdeclared the amounts of these stores. As a consequence customs levied a large fine on the ship which after negotiation was reduced to CFA Fr.2m (c.US$3000).

The Club's correspondents advise that customs scrutinise all

declarations. Local regulations require accurate declarations and minor misdemeanours are punished with relatively large fines.

We recommend that masters calling at the ports of Abidjan or San Pedro on the Coast D'Ivoire are reminded to be extremely diligent when completing customs declarations.

Source of Information

Richard Case - L4

Sobia Akram - L4

Peter Jackson - L3