Important documents required for processing cargo claims are:
1. Policy certificate of insurance in original
2. Invoice
ADVERTISEMENTS:
3. Packing slip
4. Carriers Receipt
5. Certificate of Loss/Damage from Carriers/Port Trust
6. Survey Report
ADVERTISEMENTS:
7. Claim Form with Bill
8. Copy of claim on carriers with their reply, if any
The above are requirements in general and they may vary from case to case.
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Do’s and Don’ts:
i. Arrange earliest clearance of goods from carriers.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
ii. Clear the goods only after carefully examining the packages.
iii. Claim on carriers for missing packages, if any.
iv. Do not give clean receipt to carrier of goods if they are in a doubtful condition.
v. Clear the imported goods externally damaged, only after joint survey by Steamer Agents/Air Carriers/Customs Authorities and Insurers is done within the statutory time.
vi. Clear inland consignments externally damaged only after taking open delivery certificate from Rail/Road transporters.
vii. Recondition and repack the damaged goods, making them fit for further transit.
viii. Preserve the packing materials intact for inspection by surveyor.
ix. Give prompt notice of loss/damage to the insurers with estimate of loss/damage, and to the carriers involved.
x. Assist insurance surveyors to the maximum possible extent.
xi. Send notice of claims only under Registered Post with A.D.
xii. Preserve the salvage safe till disposal of claim.
xiii. Extend time limit for filing suit pending finalisation of the claim.
xiv. Seek refund of duty wherever due.
xv. Extend period of insurance, if necessary.
With the advent of the Multi model Transportation of Goods Act, 1993, it is essential for every exporter to acquaint himself with the provisions of the enactment to ensure compliance with the statutory pre-requisites for fastening liability on the multi model transport operators.
This aspect is especially important for those exporters who mobilise export cargo by different modes of transportation from the hinterland.
