REGIONAL REQUIREMENTS: US USTR update - Section 301 Fees for ships owned, operated, or built in China

USTR UPDATE SECTION 301

FEES FOR SHIPS OWNED, OPERATED, OR BUILT IN CHINA

On 3 October, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a bulleting (CSMS # 66427144 – Section 301 Vessel Fees) including  a guidance document concerning the USTR Section 301 fees, which are scheduled to take effect on 14 October 2025.

The guidance provides clarification on the fees and the procedure that needs to be followed by the operators.

Responsible parties are strongly encouraged to pay fees prior to vessel arrival as vessels without proof of payment will be subject to denial of lading or unlading operations, or granting of clearance withheld, until proof of payment can be verified. It is recommended to initiate payment at least three (3) business days in advance of vessel arrival as per below categorization:

• Annex 1: Effective as of October 14, 2025, a fee in the amount of $50 per net ton for  an arriving vessel owned or operated by a Chinese entity
• Annex 2: Effective as of October 14, 2025, the higher of a fee in the amount of $18  per net ton, or $120 for each container discharged, from an arriving Chinese built  vessel
• Annex 3: Effective as of October 14, 2025, a fee in the amount of $14 per net ton for  an arriving vessel classified as a vehicle carrier or roll-on/roll-off vessel.

Members can find the details in the document attached and the relevant bulletin published on 3 October 2025 here.

Any questions regarding these requirements can be sent to OFO-MANIFESTBRANCH@cbp.dhs.gov.