This term has two common meanings in international trade. First, it may refer to the use of carrier equipment beyond the allowable free time, resulting in a detention charge. In the U.S., the detention-free period for carrier-owned intermodal containers varies with the trade, and typically ranges from as little as seven (7) calendar days to as much as ten (10) working days from pick up to return. The term may also refer to the brief holding of a shipment by Customs authorities pending a investigation and decision as to seizure. See also detention charge, demurrage and demurrage period. Second, this term may simply refer to the detaining of cargo by Customs or other government authorities, which is the meaning used in a marine cargo insurance policy (which excludes risk of cargo detention).
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