Members will need to aware of significant recent changes to Chinese Law and Regulation with respect to the implementation of "Circular No.64 [2013] on the Implementing Rules of the International Container Liner Precise Freight Filing". These regulations take effect from 15 February 2014.
It will be very important for any Member involved in shipping containerised cargo from China to fully familiarise themselves with the new regulations as soon as possible. Filing requirements include filing to be undertaken 30 days prior to departure. It is best to ensure that any present registration with the applicable authority, the Ministry of Transport, is up to date.
Failure to comply with the new rules can lead to fines of at least RMB 20,000 and it will have to be seen how such fines are levied in practice should a carrier fail to comply as mandated by the new rules. More severe fines or other sanction could follow in case of repeat or severe breaches, including confiscation of non-compliant income.
The Association is grateful to Lawrence Chen and Cassie Liu of Wintell & Co, Shanghai, P.R.C. for contributing to this advisory. The Association also had reference to recent media reports including Lloyd's List.