The United States has released detailed payment guidelines for the new port fees targeting vessels linked to China, which are set to take effect next week.
According to a notice issued by US Customs, vessel operators—not Customs officials—bear full responsibility for determining and proving payment of the new fees. Ships that fail to provide proof of payment risk being denied unloading, clearance, or further operations until compliance is verified. Payments must be made through a dedicated US Treasury portal, and operators are advised to complete transactions at least three days before their vessel’s arrival at an American port.
The new system establishes three fee categories:
- Annex 1: $50 per net ton for vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities.
- Annex 2: For Chinese-built vessels, operators will pay the higher of $18 per net ton or $120 per container discharged.
- Annex 3: Applies to all non-US-built vehicle carriers, regardless of ownership, at a rate of $14 per net ton.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers are exempt from these charges.
The online Section 301 Fee Payment Form will calculate the exact amount due once operators enter the required details.
Beijing has sharply criticized the move. Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council decree last week authorizing retaliatory measures against any nation or region that enforces what China deems discriminatory restrictions or fees on its vessels, operators, or maritime personnel.
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