FREE TIME · ZIM
ZIM Free Time Australia 2026: Import Detention Free Days & Rules
ZIM allows 7 calendar days of import free time at east coast ports, with the clock starting at vessel discharge. Below are the exact rules, the part that decides when the meter really starts.
NOTICE LEAD TIME (AS DETECTED BY WHARFA) · BUILDING HISTORY: first tracked 17 Jul 2026. Median lead time and schedule volatility appear once we've logged enough changes.
FREE-TIME RULES · ZIM
- Free time
- 7 calendar days
- Day basis
- Calendar, weekends and holidays count
- Clock starts
- vessel discharge
- Combined D&D
- No, separate pools
- Holiday extension
- Not extended by public holidays
- Status
- ✓ Human-verified against source
SOURCE: ZIM PUBLISHED SCHEDULE · EFFECTIVE 2026-01-01T00:00:00 · HUMAN-VERIFIED
01How many free days does ZIM give on import containers?
ZIM allows 7 calendar days of free time before detention starts, at Australian east coast ports.
02When does the ZIM detention clock start?
The clock starts at vessel discharge.
03Do public holidays extend ZIM free time?
No, public holidays are not added to ZIM's free time.
Negotiated terms override published defaults. Wharfa is a reference service, not advice.