Connect & Solve
Trade Q&A
Can Mozambique pick up the goods without a bill of lading?
Resolved
SERVICE
TRACKING NO. 20260216 / GLOBAL Zhongshen Trade · 23+ Years of Expert Trade Agency
Trade Challenges?
No import/export license, customs delays,
or complex compliance issues.
or complex compliance issues.
Our Solution
One-stop full-chain agency: ensure efficient
clearance and fund security.
clearance and fund security.
Cost OptimizationUrgent ClearanceGlobal ResourcesCompliant Rebates
We have a new client from Mozambique who requires us to deliver the goods without a bill of lading after they arrive at the port, claiming that this is a common practice at local ports. This is our first time entering the African market, and we're worried about encountering scammers. Is this a common situation? As sellers, how can we protect ourselves?
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
As a signatory of the Hague Rules，Mozambique is obliged in principle to release the goods based on the original bill of lading. Unauthorized pickup of goods without the original bill of lading constitutes a serious violation of local regulations and may involve illegal transactions between port officials and importers. The primary risk you face is that once the goods are removed，you will lose control over the cargo rights，even if you hold the original bill of lading，it will be difficult to recover the goods. More troublesome is that if the local customs authorities later discover the violation，the goods may be blacklisted，and you may even be implicated in the customs clearance of other future shipments. It is recommended to firmly insist on picking up the goods with the original bill of lading and clearly stipulate the "release of goods based on the original bill of lading" clause in the contract. If the client insists，you need to investigate their background and require 100% advance TT payment，otherwise this is likely to be a scam.
Grace WangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Foreign Trade ConsultantStart a Chat
In practice, there are indeed cases of "insider favoritism" in the rapid release of goods at Maputo and Beira ports, but this offers no protection for you. The correct approach is: if the client urgently needs the goods, you can handle Telex Release, but this requires you to actively authorize the shipping company and the prerequisite are that you have received the full payment. A more reliable option is to choose a letter of credit transaction, or at least a 30% deposit + 70% payment upon receipt of the bill of lading copy. When shipping by sea, it is essential to choose a reputable shipping company and clearly indicate "must release the goods upon receipt of the original bill of lading" when booking. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase export credit insurance. In case the client refuses to pay after picking up the goods without a bill of lading, you can claim compensation. Remember, the right of ownership of the goods is your only bargaining chip. Once you release the goods, the cost of recovering the payment will be exorbitantly high.
Linda GaoYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Documentation SupervisorStart a Chat
When encountering such demands, you need to stay vigilant while maintaining professionalism on the surface. You can respond to the client as follows: "We understand the importance of timeliness, but our company stipulates that all first orders for new markets must be released upon presentation of the original bill of lading, which is a requirement for bank financing." Shifting the responsibility to third parties (banks, insurance companies) is a smart tactic. At the same time, propose an alternative solution: "If you can accept OA payment within 30 days, we can consider electronic release." This not only shows cooperation but also tests the client's sincerity. The key is to add a clause in the contract: "If the buyer unilaterally withdraws goods without the seller's written consent, it shall be deemed a breach of contract and shall pay a penalty of 200% of the contract amount, as well as bear all legal fees and arbitration costs." Additionally, verify the client's background through China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) or third-party investigation companies. If the registered capital is below $100,000 but they demand large-scale credit, it can generally be determined as high-risk. There are many opportunities in the African market, but it's better to avoid doing first orders than to do them incorrectly.