China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), South Korea’s Hanjin Shipping, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Taiwan’s Evergreen, Wan Hai Lines, Yang Ming, China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) and others have notified of their initiatives to reduce various shipping surcharges in China.
Reuters quotes a statement by the NDRC comes after China’s cabinet last month said it was probing shipping firms over allegations that they have been levying arbitrary and excessive charges.
The shipping lines will lower various charges ranging from port fee, bill of lading fee, signing and cancellation fees, vessel licence fee, documentation fee, among others.
NDRC said the companies are expected to implement the reduced surcharges from 15 October.