China’s Ministry of Transport has penalized nine international container shipping companies and seven non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) for violations linked to freight rate filing procedures at major Chinese ports.
The ministry said inspections carried out during 2025 at the ports of Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Ningbo uncovered cases where companies either failed to complete required freight rate filings or charged rates that differed from those registered with regulators.
Among the carriers named by Chinese authorities were MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine, Emirates Shipping Line, Wan Hai Lines, SM Line, and TS Lines.
The ministry stated that administrative penalties had been imposed under Article 38 of China’s Regulations on International Maritime Transportation. Authorities also conducted what they described as “serious talks” with companies involved in more significant violations. The amount of the fines was not disclosed.
China’s freight rate filing system requires international liner operators and NVOCCs to register freight pricing details with transport authorities before charging customers for cargo shipments moving in or out of the country. The framework is intended to provide regulatory oversight of pricing practices within China’s container shipping market.
The latest enforcement action signals increased regulatory scrutiny over freight pricing compliance at some of the world’s busiest container gateways. Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Ningbo collectively handle a substantial share of China’s international containerized trade volumes.
In its statement, the Ministry of Transport warned carriers and NVOCCs to strengthen internal compliance procedures, improve oversight of freight rate filings, and assign clear responsibility for regulatory reporting obligations.
Authorities also indicated that inspections would intensify going forward, with both national and provincial transport agencies expected to increase monitoring of liner shipping compliance.
The move follows broader Chinese scrutiny of global shipping and port operations in recent months. Earlier this year, reports indicated that Chinese officials had summoned representatives from MSC and Maersk for discussions linked to terminal operations associated with the Panama Canal.
