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Advisory to Shipping Lines/Carriers/Agents regarding transparency in transaction costs and avoidance of predatory, non-transparent, and opportunistic pricing in EXIM trade.

Applicable to: Shipping Lines/Carriers/Agents
Effective Date: 2026-03-09
Superseded Circulars: DGS Circular No. 1 of 2016 dated 07.09.2016

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Transparency in Charges

Shipping lines, carriers, and agents are advised to refrain from predatory, non-transparent, and opportunistic pricing practices, and to ensure all charges are clearly communicated.

  • Refrain from: predatory, non-transparent, and opportunistic pricing
  • Ensure: clear communication of all applicable charges
Section 317 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

Empowers the Central Government to direct service providers or agents to specify all charges in the Bill of Lading or any other transport document.

2. Fair Trade Practices

All stakeholders are advised to adhere to fair trade practices and avoid charges that may give rise to disputes within the EXIM trade.

Important Note

All stakeholders are expected to cooperate in maintaining transparency and fairness in commercial practices to facilitate trade, reduce logistics costs, and improve ease of doing business in India.

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