The Ministry of Shipping has moved to support freighters and exporters grappling with steep war-risk surcharges, announcing a series of relief measures aimed at easing cost pressures and clearing stranded cargo.
Following a recent meeting with representatives from the shipping and export sectors, the government acknowledged concerns over escalating surcharges imposed by several global shipping lines. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, said stakeholders have been asked to submit details of entities levying such charges, assuring that the government will take up the matter. He also indicated that any issues related to freight insurance would be addressed if necessary.
As an immediate relief, ports across the country have been directed to waive handling, infrastructure, and imbalance charges for 30 days for export containers currently stuck at terminals. The move is expected to reduce financial strain and expedite cargo movement.
In parallel, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced temporary measures to manage stranded export consignments. For liquid and bulk cargo, authorities have permitted temporary unloading and storage within India under strict customs supervision, with the condition that such goods must be re-exported and cannot be sold domestically. Trans-shipment of these consignments to other countries has also been allowed until March 31, 2026.
CBIC further clarified that such cargo may be stored in customs-approved bonded warehouses for a limited period pending re-export.
State-run Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has complemented these measures by extending a 30-day “dies-non” period—during which no penalties are levied—for export containers held at inland container depots between March 1 and March 31, 2026. In addition, CONCOR has waived various charges, including plug-in and wharfage fees, and offered a 5% discount on rail freight for consignments that were dispatched to ports but returned unsailed, subject to proper documentation.
These coordinated efforts aim to stabilise export operations and provide temporary relief to the trade amid ongoing global disruptions impacting shipping costs.
