Directorate General of Shipping has issued fresh directions to ports and shipping operators to ensure that financial concessions reach exporters without delay.
The move comes amid disruptions affecting Gulf-bound cargo, where procedural inefficiencies and rising costs have raised concerns.
The regulator has also highlighted the need for transparency in freight charges, particularly in relation to war-related risk premiums.
The Directorate General of Shipping has instructed port authorities to ensure that all approved concessions—such as those on detention charges, ground rent, and reefer plug-in fees—are passed directly to exporters. The earlier system, which relied on reimbursements or post-facto claims through intermediaries, has been discontinued with immediate effect.
The regulator observed that the existing process involving terminal operators and intermediaries like Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) was delaying the transfer of benefits. By removing this layered mechanism, the aim is to ensure exporters receive cost relief in a timely and transparent manner.
Port authorities have been tasked with overseeing compliance at the terminal level. They are expected to ensure that concessions are implemented properly and reach the intended stakeholders without procedural delays, particularly during ongoing logistical disruptions.
Instances of additional charges for cargo diversion or discharge at alternative ports have been flagged. The regulator has directed that such charges must be properly documented, including time stamps and clear monetary details. This is intended to improve accountability and prevent arbitrary cost imposition.
Transparent documentation of charges is also essential for exporters seeking claims under the government’s Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme. Proper records will help ensure that eligible exporters can access financial support where applicable.
The regulator has also raised concerns regarding changes in the war-risk premium (WRP) applied to cargo. Shipping lines have been instructed to ensure that any revisions in such premiums are accurately and proportionately reflected in freight charges. Any inconsistencies may be subject to review.
The directive is supported by provisions under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which empowers the government to mandate transparency in charges levied by service providers. This includes the requirement to clearly specify all costs in shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading.
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The latest measures by the Directorate General of Shipping aim to streamline cost structures and improve transparency in the shipping ecosystem. By ensuring direct transfer of concessions and clearer documentation of charges, the regulator seeks to support exporters navigating current logistical and cost challenges.
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Published on: Apr 9, 2026, 2:58 PM IST
Neha Dubey
Neha Dubey is a Content Analyst with 3 years of experience in financial journalism, having written for a leading newswire agency and multiple newspapers. At Angel One, she creates daily content on finance and the economy. Neha holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s in Journalism.
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