Yes, unfortunately demurrage (similar to a car park fee) will be charged even though you had no control over the examination taking place.  You see demurrage includes ‘quay rent’ (think of this as being what the council would charge the car park company for use of the grounds) and the Port who charge this to the shipping line, will bill this out regardless of the reason.  Unfortunately, everyone who gets billed ‘demurrage’ or ‘quay rent’ will claim it back from their customer, until it reaches the importer, who cannot claim back the charge, but must simply absorb it, and accept it as part of the risk of shipping cargo to the UK.

Shipping lines will have a ‘free period’ of time before demurrage (or rent) is charged.  These can vary from line to line, but most work within a 5-7 day ‘free period’ and most commence this from the container landing date (a few may still work from vessel arrival instead).