On September 28, 2025, Premier Li Qiang signed State Council Order No.817, announcing the “Decision of the State Council on Amending the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation”, which takes effect immediately. This marks the fifth revision of the regulations since their introduction in 2002, aiming to refine the governance of the international shipping market, enhance supervision of key segments, and establish countermeasure mechanisms.

Key amendments include:

1.Explicitly incorporating “international shipping trading platform services” into the scope of auxiliary business operations. Platform operators are required to report information such as their name, registered address, service agreements, and trading rules to the competent transport authority. Failure to comply may result in fines or suspension of business.

2.Refining legal liability provisions. If platform operators do not submit required information as stipulated, transport authorities may order rectification within a time limit, impose fines ranging from RMB 20,000 to 100,000, or suspend operations in serious cases.

3.Introducing countermeasure clauses. Should any country or region impose discriminatory prohibitions or restrictions on Chinese international shipping entities, vessels, or crew, the Chinese government may take necessary countermeasures. These may include imposing special fees on vessels from that country or region calling at Chinese ports, restricting or banning their entry, or limiting access to Chinese maritime data and business operations.

The revisions further optimize the international shipping regulatory framework, strengthen oversight during and after market entry, and provide a legal basis for safeguarding national interests and ensuring fair competition.