Vietnam Plans to Make Freight Tariffs Public
By Aiswarya Lakshmi
Friday, September 25, 2015
The Vietnamese government is considering implementing a new decree that would require shipping companies to publicize their freight tariffs (including surcharges and commissions paid to brokers).
Several foreign logistics companies have expressed concern about the proposal.
According to the government, the decree is intended as a tool to protect importers and exporters. A recent government audit revealed that many shipping lines operating in Vietnam impose an average of 70 kinds of surcharges, many of which are “unclear” and/or unreasonably high.
Key areas of concern were in terminal handling charges, container clearance, and maintenance. Vietnam is currently accepting opinions from the public about the possible implementation of the new decree.
A range of foreign logistics firms have already expressed their dismay about the possible implications of the law if it were to be enacted.
Mediterranean Shipping Co., CMA-CGM, and APL voiced their opinion through London-headquartered law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, which sent a letter to the government last week, according to Vietnamese news website Bao Dau Tu.
The decree, if applied, would harm trade activity in Vietnam, the letter warned. Currently there are around 40 foreign shipping companies operating in Vietnam, handling about 88% percent of cargo to and from the country.