Dubai Maritime Authority enforces transparency in local container charges to support fair trade practices
DUBAI : The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) has reiterated its commitment to fostering transparency and fairness in the local maritime logistics sector by enforcing Administrative Decision No. 2 of 2023, which governs local sea container charges within the emirate.
The regulation mandates that all service providers involved in maritime trade—including shipping agents, freight forwarders, and customs clearing agents—submit their local container-related charges to the DMA for formal review and approval. Only those fees that receive official authorization may be applied to importers, exporters, and traders operating within Dubai. Approved charges must also be published openly on the service providers’ official websites to ensure stakeholders have direct access to accurate and verifiable pricing information.
The initiative seeks to eliminate opaque pricing practices and safeguard the rights of businesses engaged in maritime transport. In accordance with the directive, all customers have the right to request clarification and justification for any local charges applied, reinforcing the principle of transparency and reducing the risk of unfair or arbitrary fees in container logistics operations.
To further enhance accountability, the DMA has established a formal complaint mechanism. In cases where unapproved or non-compliant charges are suspected, businesses can file complaints through the Dubai Trade portal using the Consumer Complaint Form provided under the Service Center section. This channel ensures that any violations are addressed systematically and that service providers are held to consistent regulatory standards.
The DMA emphasized that this framework is part of a broader strategy to enhance investor confidence, promote fair competition, and maintain Dubai’s reputation as a global maritime and logistics hub. By upholding transparent operational practices, the authority continues to support sustainable trade growth and streamline port-related services in alignment with international best practices.
Through the continued enforcement of these regulations, Dubai positions itself as a leader in maritime governance, ensuring that its ports and logistics infrastructure remain competitive, efficient, and attractive to global trade partners.
Source : Shipping Arabia