Albert Mills

Container lashing is the process of safely securing shipping containers on the cargo ship. The shipping containers are loaded onto the cargo ship, then they’re secured together with the containers below them and into the ship’s structure itself. Container lashing is done using different cargo securing equipment like twist locks and lashing rods.Twist locks are inserted into the elongated holes of the container’s corner casting, causing the rotating lugs of the locks to engage. This locks the containers together and secures them well into place. Composite strapping and dunnage bags are also used to prevent goods from getting damaged by heavy impact during the lashing or shipping process.

Demurrage charges apply to an importer when he fails to take the delivery of the containers within the stipulated number of free days allowed (decided by the Port Authority). Demurrage charges are usually calculated on a per-day basis. This charge will keep on accruing until the delivery of the containers is taken, and sometimes they overtake the actual value of goods imported, leaving the importer no choice but to abandon the shipment.

An Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by the Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) will typically capture the relevant information that was disclosed in the export health certificate application form by the exporter. Merchant exporters have to get their one-time registration done through the EIC website.

• As and when the exporter or establishment needs an EHC, they should fill an online application using their username and password.
• They can also access the e-health certification system using their login credentials and check the status of their application.
• An application reference number is generated by the system, which can be used by the exporter or establishment for future reference.
• Next, they have to contact the concerned Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) office and submit supporting documents, which includes the invoice, packing list, and test reports, along with the fees. While establishments need to submit it to the nearest EIA office, merchant exporters can submit it in any EIA office.
• In case of approved establishments, the facility to avail EHC remains available throughout the validity of the approval.
• Once the approval expires, the username and password get disabled automatically and gets activated again once the approval is renewed.

There are several reasons why traders will opt for 40-Foot shipping containers over other alternatives, such as:

• Generally, 40ft shipping containers (especially the dry ones) are built from welded steel. The floor of these containers is usually made from load-bearing marine-grade plywood. These sturdy materials give these containers greater durability and imperviousness to external elements than most other containers.
• 40ft shipping containers can quickly carry heavy and lighter goods as they possess high payload capacity and smooth mobility.
• Like other types of containers, several 40ft shipping containers can be converted into open-top containers to provide more flexibility.
• The high volume of 40ft shipping containers enables governments and NGOs to load and transport large quantities of food supplies, vaccines, and other amenities globally to the needy.

A consular invoice is a document certifying a shipment of goods and shows information such as the consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. Generally, a consular invoice can be obtained through a consular representative of the destination country and must be certified by the consul of the country of destination, who will stamp and authorize the invoice. The consular invoice is required by some countries to facilitate customs and collection of taxes. The process of submitting and authorizing a consular invoice is called consularization and it can help speed up the process of importing goods into a new country.