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Members and Assureds whose vessels are bound for ports in China should note the latest developments concerning implementation of special port charges imposed on US linked vessels.
Following the announcement released by US Customs and Border Protection declaring that special port fees would be imposed on vessels owned, operated, or built by Chinese entities, the Chinese Government invoked reciprocal countermeasures including collection of special port charges on US linked vessels taking effect from 14 October 2025. The countermeasures were introduced pursuant to newly revised Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transport, and an overview can be accessed in Wang Jing & Co’s newsletter available here.
As advised by a correspondent, Oasis P&I Services Company Limited, in their Circular available here, the special port charges will apply to the following categories of vessels calling at Chinese ports:
1. Vessels owned by US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals.
2. Vessels operated by US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals.
3. Vessels owned or operated by enterprises or other organisations in which US enterprises, other organisations, or individuals directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of equity (including voting rights or board seats).
4. Vessels flying the flag of the United States.
5. Vessels built in the United States.
The special port charges will be levied on a per voyage basis for vessels berthing at Chinese ports and will be implemented in phases:
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Charge Date
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Amount (per net ton*)
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14 October 2025
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RMB 400
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17 April 2026
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RMB 640
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17 April 17 2027
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RMB 880
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17 April 2028
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RMB 1,120
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*Any fraction of one net ton shall be counted as one net ton
Collection of the port charges will be carried out by the maritime administration authorities of the respective port of call. If a vessel calls at multiple Chinese ports during the same voyage, the charges are payable only at the first port of call on that voyage. For vessels calling China more than five voyages per year, the special port charges will be collected for a maximum of five voyages per year.
Click the following links for more information concerning the special port charges imposed on US linked vessels in relation to the forms to be completed and interpretative guidance is available, courtesy of Wang Jing & Co., and on implementation measures from another correspondent, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd.
Members and Assureds are advised to take note of the new regulations and act accordingly.
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