Regulatory action prompts relief as ports and carriers move to curb retrospective charges.

West Asia Crisis Impact: Shipping Lines Begin Refunding War Surcharges to Exporters.

Shipping companies have started refunding extra charges to exporters following regulatory intervention over retrospective war surcharges imposed amid the West Asia crisis. Industry executives said several carriers are issuing credit notes for vessels that reached their destinations before the conflict escalated on February 28, terming the levies unjustified as the war surcharge was not applicable at the time of arrival. Invoking provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, the Directorate General of Shipping directed shipping lines to follow fair trade practices and avoid charges that could trigger disputes in EXIM cargo. The regulator also instructed carriers to clearly communicate all applicable charges upfront to exporters and importers. During discussions with DG Shipping, exporters highlighted that retrospective war surcharges went up to $4,000 for perishable cargo and $3,000 per 40-foot container. Separately, major ports under the central government extended relief measures. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority announced waivers on ground rent and reefer plug-in charges for stranded containers, offering additional support to affected exporters.