CHINA UPDATES REGULATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL MARITIME TRANSPORT
We would like to inform you of recent amendments to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation (《中华人民共和国国际海运条例》), as reported by Xinhua News Agency on 29 September 2025. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree introducing amendments to the regulations, which officially took effect on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
The revised regulations are intended to standardise international maritime transport activities, safeguard fair competition, maintain order in the international shipping market, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of stakeholders in the global shipping industry.
Below is a summary of the key amendments:
Amendment to Article 2, Paragraph 2
The second paragraph has been revised to clarify what constitutes auxiliary business activities related to international maritime transportation:
“The auxiliary business activities related to international maritime transportation mentioned in the preceding paragraph include international ship agency, international ship management, international maritime cargo loading and unloading, international maritime cargo warehousing, international maritime container station and yard services, international shipping transaction platform services, and other businesses.”
Introduction of New Article 22
A new provision sets out requirements for international shipping transaction platforms:
“Operators of international shipping transaction platforms shall submit information such as the operator’s name, registered address, contact details, platform service agreements, and shipping transaction rules to the competent transportation department of the State Council. Specific measures shall be formulated by the competent transportation department of the State Council.”
Introduction of New Article 39
Penalties have been introduced for non-compliance by international shipping transaction platform operators:
“If operators of international shipping transaction platforms fail to submit the required information as stipulated, the competent transportation department of the State Council or the transportation departments of local people’s governments authorised by it shall order them to complete the submission within a specified period. Failure to comply within the deadline shall result in a fine of no less than 20,000 yuan and no more than 100,000 yuan. For serious cases, they shall be ordered to cease conducting relevant business activities.”
Amendment to Article 46 (Renumbered as Article 48)
This article now addresses violations of maritime agreements and discriminatory measures:
For Violations of Maritime Agreements:
“If a country or region with which the People’s Republic of China has concluded or jointly participates in international maritime-related treaties or agreements violates the provisions of such treaties or agreements, thereby causing the People’s Republic of China to lose or suffer damage to the benefits it enjoys under the treaty or agreement, or obstructs the realisation of the objectives of the treaty or agreement, the Government of the People’s Republic of China has the right to request the government of the relevant country or region to terminate the aforementioned behavior, take appropriate remedial measures, and may suspend or terminate the performance of relevant obligations under the treaty or agreement in accordance with the provisions thereof.”
For Discriminatory Actions:
“If any country or region adopts or assists, supports, or takes discriminatory prohibitions, restrictions, or other similar measures against operators, ships, or crew members engaged in international maritime transportation and its auxiliary businesses of the People’s Republic of China, except where sufficient and effective remedies are provided by relevant treaties or agreements, the Government of the People’s Republic of China shall, based on actual circumstances, take necessary countermeasures. These measures may include but are not limited to charging special fees for ships of such country or region docking at Chinese ports, prohibiting or restricting the entry and exit of such country’s or region’s ships from Chinese ports, and prohibiting or restricting organisations and individuals from such country or region from obtaining data, information, or conducting international maritime transportation and its auxiliary businesses related to Chinese ports.”
Terminology Change
Throughout the regulations, the term “competent transportation department” has been revised to “competent transportation department of the State Council.”
Members may refer to the attached circular from ICS China Liaison office.
Members are encouraged to review these amendments in detail and evaluate their impact on both current and future operations in the region. Should you have any questions or require clarification, please feel free to contact the secretariat.