China Tightens Oversight on Freight Rate Compliance

China’s Ministry of Transport announced penalties against nine international container shipping lines and seven NVOCCs after discovering violations related to freight rate filings during inspections conducted in 2025 at Guangzhou, Qingdao, and Ningbo ports.

Major Global Carriers Included

The companies named in the investigation include:

• MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
• CMA CGM Group
• Hapag-Lloyd AG
• Ocean Network Express
• Evergreen Marine Corporation
• Wan Hai Lines
• SM Line
• Emirates Shipping Line
• TS Lines

Authorities stated that some carriers either failed to complete mandatory freight rate filing procedures or charged rates that differed from officially filed prices.

Inspections Conducted Across Major Chinese Ports

The inspections were carried out during August, September, and November 2025 across three major Chinese ports:

• Port of Guangzhou
• Port of Qingdao
• Port of Ningbo

China’s transport regulators said the crackdown is part of broader efforts to improve transparency and regulatory compliance within the container shipping industry.

Warning to the Shipping Industry

The Ministry warned all international carriers and NVOCC operators to improve internal management systems, assign clear compliance responsibilities, and strictly follow freight rate filing rules moving forward. Officials also confirmed that future inspections will become more frequent and stricter.