A navicert, short for navigation certificate, is a document issued by a government or an authorized body that serves as proof of the nationality of a ship and specifies its cargo details and destination. It is a form of protectionist measure commonly used in international trade. The purpose of a navicert is to regulate and control the export or import of particular goods or to impose restrictions on certain trade routes.
Navicerts were first introduced in the early 20th century and gained prominence during periods of conflict and economic instability. The certificate includes essential information such as the name of the vessel, its tonnage, the nature and quantity of goods being transported, and the intended port of discharge. It is typically presented to customs officials at departure and arrival ports to ensure compliance with the regulations governing the trade of specific commodities.
The use of navicerts provides governments with a tool to monitor and manage trade flows, protect domestic industries, and collect accurate statistics on imports and exports. By requiring ships to possess a navicert, authorities can enforce trade embargoes, control the movement of sensitive goods, or safeguard strategic resources. Navicerts may also contain provisions to safeguard fair competition, prevent price discrimination, or promote domestic industries by imposing tariffs or quotas on imports or exports. They are often issued for a specified period and can be subject to renewal or cancellation by the issuing authority.
Overall, navicerts are regulatory documents that act as an administrative mechanism to oversee and control international maritime commerce.
The word "navicert" is a combination of two words - "navi" and "cert".
The term "navi" is derived from the Latin word "navis", which means "ship".
The word "cert" is an abbreviation of "certificate", which is a document issued to provide proof or confirmation of something.
Therefore, "navicert" combines the concept of a certificate related to shipping or ships. In particular, it refers to a document or certificate required for the transportation of goods by sea, typically used during periods of war or conflict to regulate and monitor trade.