Ivory P&I in Abidjan has providied us with the following information:

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For a recall, in respect of customs fine for shortage, if the fine is not settled before ship departure or at least ship agent secured by an LOU confirming the fine payment, the ship will not be authorized to sail  from the port. 

Then, this information note strengthened the customs penalties enforcement from the 1 July 2015. 

Indeed, now in addition to the fine, the ship will have to pay the discrepancy between the duties and taxes to be initially paid and the fine amount should be increased to the level of duties and taxes dues. Then the fixed rates of EUR 1.52 per missing bag in respect of rice cargo and of EUR 18,30 per bag for sugar cargo paid in the past will not be applicable anymore. 

We then will face some difficulty now in negotiating the amount of customs fine with the Customs Authorities even if the local Ship Agent Organization (UCACI) will try to discuss that issue again with the Customs Administration. 

We will not fail to keep you informed of the development of this matter.
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