CBP: Vessel Operator Bears Responsibility for Determining Section 301 Fees
The vessel operator is responsible for determining whether the vessel is subject to new fees on Chinese-built and -operated vessels calling at U.S. ports, CBP said in an Oct. 3 cargo systems message.
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"The burden for determining if a vessel owes the fee is on the operator, NOT CBP," CBP said.
Vessels owned, operated or built in China, as well as all foreign-built vehicle carrier vessels, will be subject to fees when calling at U.S. ports, starting on Oct. 14, according to the findings of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's Section 301 investigation (see 2504180018).
"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," said an attachment to the CSMS message that provides more information on the fees. "It is recommended to initiate payment at least three (3) business days in advance of vessel arrival."
The fee schedule is as follows:
- Annex 1: A fee in the amount of $50 per net ton for an arriving vessel owned or operated by a Chinese entity.
- Annex 2: 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: 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.
All three annexes are effective Oct. 14. Companies must pay the fees using the Treasury Department's Pay.gov website; fees will not be accepted at the port of entry.