US CBP shifts compliance burden of USTR port fees to ship operators

The burden for determining if a vessel owes these fees falls squarely on vessel operators, not CBP, a notice from the US agency said.

If fees are not paid ahead of arrival at US ports, the ships will not be allowed to load or unload cargo until proof of payment has been verified by CBP.

The payments will be made directly through the website of the Department of the Treasury, and not at the port of entry, according to a statement on the CBP's cargo systems messaging service.

Vessel operators will have to complete a form on pay.gov and select the type of fee they will pay. CBP recommends the payment be initiated at least three business days prior to the vessel's arrival.

Chinese ship owners or operators will pay $50/nt while Chinese-built ships that are not subject to exemptions will be charged $18/nt.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)