HCMC cuts seaport infrastructure fees

The city's legislators passed a resolution on adjusting the use of infrastructure and public services at seaports in order to encourage inland waterway transportation and help businesses recover.

Starting August 1, the fee will be cut by half for all types of imported and exported goods. In addition, the fee for import and export goods will be adjusted to the same rate whether they are declared in HCMC or other localities.

The city will exempt from all taxes the following types of goods: imported directly to serve national security and defense, as also help overcome consequences of natural disasters and epidemics.

The exemption will also apply for goods that are transit via waterways under an agreement between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Currently, the lowest seaport infrastructure fee in HCMC stays at VND15,000 ($0.64) per ton. It is applied for goods that are not packed in containers. The highest fee is VND4.4 million per 40-foot container.

The municipal Department of Transport started collecting seaport infrastructure fees on a trial basis on Jun. 15 last year. After two delays, it began official collections on Apr. 1.

The HCMC administration affirmed that the seaport infrastructure fees will be used to build bridges and upgrade major roads near seaports to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate cargo transport.

Many companies had complained about the policy, saying Covid-19 had hit them hard enough and paying the fees would stretch them further.