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Bonded stores during a West African port call
What purchasing teams should prepare when ordering bonded and duty-free stores for vessels alongside.
Know what belongs in bonded
Bonded stores typically cover duty-sensitive crew welfare items such as tobacco where permitted, confectionery, soft drinks and selected personal-care products. Exact rules depend on the port and customs practice.
List bonded lines separately from general provisions so quotation and documentation stay clear.
Document for a clean handover
- Vessel name, flag and IMO
- ETA / ETD and berth if known
- Quantities by product type
- Any restrictions from the company or flag state
Work with a ship chandler, not a freight forwarder
Bonded supply for vessels is a ship-chandler activity. It is not cargo logistics. A dedicated supply partner coordinates stores to the ship’s operational window rather than moving commercial freight.
