China has fined nine international container lines and seven NVOCCs after inspections found failures in freight-rate filing procedures or differences between filed and applied rates, according to China’s Ministry of Transport.
The checks were carried out at the ports of Guangzhou, Qingdao and Ningbo in August, September and November 2025.
The ministry published the penalties on 12 May 2026 under Ministry of Transport Notice No 1 of 2026.
The container lines named include CMA CGM Group, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, TS Lines Singapore, Wan Hai Lines Singapore, Sinokor Merchant Marine, Emirates Shipping Line, Evergreen Marine Asia and Ocean Network Express.
The penalties were imposed under Article 38 of China’s international maritime transport regulations.
Companies involved in more serious violations were also summoned for regulatory talks.
The ministry did not disclose the fine amounts. China’s transport regulator said it would step up inspections of freight-rate filing compliance by international container lines and NVOCCs and correct violations under the law.
