Govt Stops Shipping Companies from Imposing War Fees on Cargo Already in Transit

Customs authorities have directed shipping lines and their local agents to immediately stop imposing war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on shipments that had already departed or entered transit before the recent escalation of regional hostilities.

The issue surfaced after members of the business community raised concerns with customs officials, alleging that shipping companies had begun collecting “War Risk and Emergency Conflict Surcharges (ECS)” on cargo that had already sailed or was already in transit before February 28, 2026.

Traders said the charges were being applied even to consignments that had left ports well before the start of the current regional crisis, describing the move as commercially unethical and an unjustified financial burden on importers and exporters.

Following the complaints, the collectorate issued a directive instructing all shipping lines and their agents to immediately cease levying, demanding, or retaining such surcharges on consignments that had already sailed, moved into transit, or arrived at ports prior to February 28.

Authorities stated that retroactive billing on shipments already in motion before the escalation of hostilities was unjustified and would not be tolerated. The collectorate also asked traders to submit documentary evidence if such charges had already been demanded or collected so that appropriate action could be taken against the companies involved.

In a separate circular, customs officials said they had received several complaints from traders about non transparent and opportunistic pricing practices by shipping lines and carriers during the current regional tensions. Businesses claimed that unclear and sudden charges were increasing logistics costs across the trade supply chain.

The collectorate directed all maritime stakeholders to ensure that any applicable charges are communicated clearly and in advance to importers, exporters and customs authorities. It warned that any violation of these instructions would be treated seriously, emphasizing that the government would take action to protect the business community from exploitative practices during the ongoing regional instability.