China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco) announced that it would now be charging shippers for violating regulations on dangerous goods.
Changes made to containers’ structures without authorisation will incur a US$2 000 fine per unit while concealing dangerous goods or the misdeclaration of cargo will incur a US$10 000 fine per unit.
“The misdeclaration or deliberate concealment of dangerous goods can produce unpredictable serious consequences, endanger the safety of life and property, resulting in huge economic losses affecting the operation of the whole supply chain,” said a Cosco spokesperson.
“Unauthorised changes in the container structure may cause damage to the container, increasing security risks and affecting the subsequent use of containers.”
This change has been added to the shipping line’s transport contract and booking agreement.
