Free time is the number of days a container may remain at a terminal or with a consignee before demurrage or detention charges begin to accrue, and it is especially significant for food imports subject to documentary and physical border controls.
In trade practice
Buyers and freight forwarders negotiate free-time allowances directly with shipping lines or terminal operators before booking. For Ukrainian food exports entering the EU, phytosanitary or official food-safety checks can extend dwell time beyond standard allowances, triggering unexpected charges. Logistics teams should confirm the number of free days in writing, track container release dates against those allowances, and build buffer days into planning for high-inspection-risk commodities such as honey or plant products.
In a specification
Contracts and booking confirmations should state the agreed number of free days at origin and destination separately, distinguishing demurrage at the terminal from detention while the container is off-site.