China to levy port security fees to cover costs of container inspection
China has that the cost of inspecting cargo containers to comply with UN-mandated security requirements should be borne by the shipper whose cargo it is supposed to monitor
China plans to demand a security fee on containers exported and imported through its seaports to cover part of the costs of complying with a July 2004 United Nations maritime security regulation. The UN International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) requires countries to adopt security measures which will cut down on the risk of a maritime-related terrorist attack. In order to keep up with the costs of the security upgrades, the Chinese government has decided to charge importers and exporters $2.50 for each 20-foot container and $3.75 for each 40-foot container, ShanghaiDaily.com reported on Monday.
Empty containers will not be subject to a charge, and imported fertilizers also will be exempt. The Chinese government is expected to issue a list of other exempt items in the near future.
