News / Sudden new ocean freight tax in India confuses and annoys forwarders

© Nickolay Stanev

Forwarders are expressing concern and confusion, on the eve of the new budget, over the recently implemented 4.5% ocean freight tax imposed on Indian importers.

The tax came into effect on 22 January, with no notice, and is applied to all shipments imported into India which are ‘pre-paid’.

If shipments are booked on the basis of cost and freight (C&F) or cost, insurance and freight (CIF), the ocean freight is paid by the exporter.

But the confusion – as ever –  lies with ...