China – China MOT announces implementation measures for and exemptions from Special Port Fees on US shipsOn 14 October 2025, following the “Announcement on Charging Special Port Fees for Ships to US Ships” (as covered in our briefing here), the Chinese Ministry of Transport announced implementation measures regarding the special port fees, including a number of critical exemptions [1].According to the Notice, the following ships are exempted from paying the special port fees:Chinese-built shipsEmpty ships which only enter Chinese yards for repairs“Other ships that are recognised and approved for exemption”No further elaboration has been provided at this time on the meaning of “Other ships that are recognised and approved for exemption”. Accordingly, there may be scope for vessel owners / operators to seek exemptions from the MSA for emergency calls at Chinese ports for example. No formal criteria or application process for seeking exemptions has yet been published, and in most cases it would appear prudent for any owners and operators seeking any exemptions to obtain advice from PRC lawyers and/or local agents.According to the latest implementation measures, the special port fees will be collected by the local maritime administrative authority at the port where the ship calls.As previously announced, if a ship calls at multiple Chinese ports on the same voyage, the special port fee will only be payable at the first port of call. Ships that have more than five voyages in Chinese ports within a year shall be required to pay the fees only for the first five voyages. 17 April of each year has been designated as the start date of the annual billing cycle.Seven days prior to a ship’s arrival at a Chinese port (or when sailing from the previous port if the voyage duration is less than seven days), the shipowner or the ship agent is required to:(a) report the following details to the local maritime administrative authority:The ship’s country of build;The ship’s flag;Details of the ship’s owner, operator, and any leasing arrangements;Details of the port(s) of call for the current voyage;and(b) make payment of any applicable special port fees.A copy of the reporting form recently provided to a vessel calling at a PRC port is available here.The information provided will be verified by the local maritime administrative authority. Any vessel found to have violated these measures or having failed to pay the required special port fees will not be granted port entry or departure clearance. If for any reason a vessel leaves a Chinese port without paying the fees, the outstanding amount must be settled before her next call at any Chinese port.The Chinese MOT announcement further states that the “scope, rates, and duration for the collection of the Special Port Fees for vessels will be dynamically adjusted based on circumstances”. This appears to leave potential scope for the MOT to make adjustments or introduce further countermeasures at any time depending on the USTR’s implementation of its own actions.This remains a fast-moving situation, and developments are subject to change. Through the Club’s network of local correspondents, lawyers, and other contacts in China, the Club is closely monitoring the situation and is receiving updates from local sources. We will revert with further guidance as more information becomes available.Please see our industry insights webpage for the latest news: USTR Action and Proposed Action on Chinese vessels & operators. For more information or guidance, please contact the USTR Team or your usual Club contacts.