The United States has published detailed payment procedures for a new set of maritime fees targeting vessels connected to China, which are scheduled to take effect next week. Under the updated framework, ship operators—not customs authorities—will be fully responsible for ensuring payment and maintaining proof of compliance before arrival at U.S. ports.

According to the new guidelines, failure to present valid proof of payment may result in denied unloading, suspended clearance, or temporary operational restrictions. Payments must be completed through a dedicated U.S. Treasury portal, and officials have urged operators to finalize transactions at least three days prior to vessel arrival to avoid delays.

The fee structure is divided into three annexes: Annex 1 imposes a charge of USD 50 per net ton on vessels owned or operated by Chinese entities; Annex 2 applies to Chinese-built vessels calling at U.S. ports, set at the higher of USD 18 per net ton or USD 120 per container; and Annex 3 levies USD 14 per net ton on all non-U.S.-built vehicle carriers, regardless of ownership nationality. LNG tankers are explicitly exempt from the policy.

The measure forms part of Washington’s ongoing Section 301 trade enforcement actions, reflecting continued efforts to address perceived market imbalances and national security risks linked to China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors. In response, Beijing has warned of countermeasures. Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council decree authorizing retaliatory steps against what it called “discriminatory restrictions” on Chinese vessels, crews, and maritime operators in international trade routes.