After which time is a container officially abandoned in the Middle East?

Within 90 Days of it's arrival.

Does the Member need an official written letter from the customer that he abandons the cargo?

A letter of abandonment from consignee/ shipper is required. If this is not available permission from the court will be needed.

Is it possible for the Member to survey, sell, auction or destroy the cargo in this jurisdiction?

If detained by Dubai Municipality, cargo will need to be re-exported.

If it is abandoned, approval from the port will be needed for survey and once a letter of abandonment is received members can look into salvage sale/auction. Members cannot destruct the cargo without permission from Dubai Municipality.

Does the Member need to obtain a court/customs order to have authority to dispose the cargo?

Members will need to obtain a court order to dispose of cargo where no letter of abandonment is available.

If an abandonment letter is available members can approach customs for approval.

Will the container and cargo be blocked by customs?

Customs make random checks of containers. They hold a list of banned/restricted goods and if anything falls under this category customs have a right to detain.

Source of Information

GAC