The Lower House Committee on Transportation (COTr) has recommended approval of a bill that seeks to strengthen government oversight functions over shipping charges imposed by international shipping lines operating in the Philippines.

House Bill (HB) No. 10575 prohibits the imposition of local charges or surcharges — except for internationally accepted surcharges, fees for value-added services, and behavioral charges such as late payment fee and container insurance — by international shipping lines or their agents, freight forwarders, and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) on Philippine consignees and shippers.

The imposition and parameters or such imposition must also be clearly defined in the contract of carriage and subscribed by the shipper or consignee, according to the draft bill.

For the full report, visit https://www.portcalls.com/house-committee-backs-bill-prohibiting-imposition-of-local-charges-by-international-carriers/