RELEASE WITHOUT ORIGINALS IN ANGOLA
The General Tax Administration (GTA) in Angola (which includes Customs) has adopted a new rule that authorizes Angolan importers to obtain release of their cargo without presentation of original Bills of Lading.
In order to avoid the expiry of foodstuffs / beverages and price inflation of goods in general due to high port & terminal charges, the Tax Administration adopted a (temporary) regulation only for those goods imported with a confirmed Letter of Credit and in some cases of Cash against Documents confirmed by the Commercial bank involved.
To qualify for this temporary regulation, the importer has to present a swift copy of a confirmed letter of credit, or guarantee from the bank in case of Cash against Documents, and the importer has to guarantee to surrender within max. 30 calendar days the original Bill of Lading duly legalized by the local shipping agent.
The risks due to this new rule are obvious as our agent is no longer in position to control the release of cargo. We therefore advise all stakeholders to confirm receipt of payments prior shipment of their goods, especially in case of foodstuffs/beverages.
It goes without saying that NileDutch regrets the risks and inconveniences, but we do not accept any liability or claim whatsoever for release of cargo without original Bills of Lading in Angola as a consequence of this rule as this is beyond our control.