These were unjustified charges since the war surcharge had not kicked in when these ships docked," said the executive
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Days after a diktat by the maritime regulator against overcharging, shipping companies have started refunding additional charges to exporters.
An industry executive said that some of the companies have started issuing credit notes to exporters for vessels that had reached their destination before the West Asia conflict broke out on Feb 28. “These were unjustified charges since the war surcharge had not kicked in when these ships docked,” said the executive.
In its direction, invoking the provision of Merchant Shipping Act, the DG Shipping had asked shipping lines and carriers to “adhere to fair trade practice and avoid levy of charges that may give rise to disputes within the EXIM cargo”. It had asked them to ensure all applicable charges are communicated clearly and upfront to exporters and importers.
During a meeting called by DG Shipping, exporters have said that retrospective war surcharge being levied by shipping companies, which was as much as $4,000 for perishables and $3,000 for every 40-feet container. Separately, major ports under the Central govt have taken measures to extend relief to exporters, following directions of shipping ministry.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has announced waiver on charges – ground rent and reefer plug-in fees for stranded containers.
