China fines major liners, logistics providers for alleged regulatory infractions

The Chinese government has imposed fines on multiple international container shipping companies and domestic logistics providers for reported breaches of freight rate regulations.

The affected liner companies are CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine, Emirates Shipping Line (ESL), SM Line, Wan Hai Lines (Singapore), and TS Lines (Singapore).

Between August and November 2025, China’s Ministry of Transport carried out inspections into the implementation of freight rate filings by international liner shipping companies and non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) operators across the ports of Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Ningbo.

According to the ministry, the 16 companies in question were found to have violated regulations either by failing to complete freight rate filing procedures or by implementing freight rates that deviated from their officially declared prices.

“In accordance with Article 38 of the ‘Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation’, our Ministry has imposed administrative penalties on the aforementioned enterprises and held talks with those firms found to have committed serious violations,” the ministry stated, opting not to disclose the specific financial penalties.

“International container liner shipping companies and NVOCC operators are encouraged to learn from these instances, enhance their enterprise freight rate filing systems, assign clear responsibilities, and diligently fulfil their freight rate filing obligations,” the ministry urged.

When approached by Riviera for comment, ONE responded: "This relates to a filing inaccuracy in mid-2025. ONE has since addressed the relevant findings through appropriate follow-up and corrective actions. Our current operations remain unaffected, and we remain committed to full regulatory compliance."

Hapag-Lloyd declined to comment on the matter, while other carriers implicated have yet to respond to enquiries.

Looking ahead, Chinese authorities intend to significantly step up inspections concerning the implementation of corporate freight rate filings, issuing a warning that any breaches will be met with legal repercussions.