Dear Customer

Please note, the DMA introduction of ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION NO. 2 OF 2023 ON THE TRANSPARENCY OF LOCAL SEA CONTAINER CHARGES IN DUBAI DIRECTIVE, which has been introduced today to strengthen transparency, accountability, and competitiveness across Dubai’s maritime sector, and advantaging Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCO).

The Administrative Decision, which follows extensive industry-wide consultation with BCO’s as part of the DMA’s formal stakeholder partnership programme, comes into force from 1 August 2023, and is also driven by a thorough analysis of the industry and local sea container charges conducted by the DMA, which will bring more transparency to the maritime industry and ease of doing business in Dubai.

The new Administrative Decision, introduced under the enhanced mandate given to Dubai Maritime Authority earlier in the year, outlines five important changes which will help ensure the adoption of global best practice across Dubai’s maritime ecosystem.

Firstly, ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION NO. 2 OF 2023 ON THE TRANSPARENCY OF LOCAL SEA CONTAINER CHARGES IN DUBAI DIRECTIVE, brings the freezing of sea container charges introduced by DIRECTIVE NO. 1 OF 2023 ON TRANSPARENCY OF LOCAL SEA CONTAINER CHARGES IN DUBAI to an end.

Secondly, the new Administrative Decision requires providers of local sea container services to openly publish details of their previously filed charges with DMA on their corporate website within 30 days, thereby enhancing transparency for BCOs.

Thirdly, it allows providers of local sea containers services to file for amendment of their local charges through the Dubai Trade single-window as per the defined process by the authority.

Fourthly, having undertaken an extensive analysis of the charges submitted by service providers, the Dubai Maritime Authority has acted to introduce a new mechanism where service providers will charge directly for their services, and the local Port Operator will issue invoices separately for their provided services such as its Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and Truck Loading and Unloading Charges (TLUC) directly to the relevant user, as well as collect payment directly via the Dubai Trade Platform.

Finally, all Delivery Orders will be issued digitally through Dubai Trade Digital Delivery order platform to strengthen Dubai’s position as a digital city.

Future details for implementation will be published in due course.

The publication of ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION NO. 2 OF 2023 ON THE TRANSPARENCY OF LOCAL SEA CONTAINER CHARGES IN DUBAI DIRECTIVE will increase Dubai’s competitiveness as a leading global trade hub.

We trust we can rely on your support for this important Administraive Decision which will help strengthen Dubai’s maritime offer and support the success of BCOs in Dubai.

Full details of the changes are available at: www.pcfc.ae

Kind regards

Dubai Maritime Authority