Glossary


Terms & Glossaries of Shipping and Trading

Sufferance Wharf

A wharf where cargo that has not been granted formal clearance by customs authorities can be temporarily stored.

What is Sufferance Wharf?

A sufferance wharf is a designated area within a port where cargo that has not been granted formal clearance by customs authorities can be temporarily stored. This may occur when the necessary documentation or permits are not yet in place, or when the cargo is subject to inspection or further processing before it can be released into the country. Sufferance wharves are typically operated by private companies under license from the relevant port authority or customs agency, and they play an important role in facilitating the movement of goods through ports and across borders.