ONE Major Update: Comprehensive Adjustment of Misdeclaration Surcharges Effective 2026

Abstract: Following the general average incident involving the vessel "ONE Henry Hudson", Ocean Network Express (ONE), a leading global shipping company, has issued a new announcement. It declares a structural adjustment to the Misdeclaration Charge, effective January 1, 2026, aiming to further enhance transportation safety. The maximum penalty for non-compliance will reach up to USD 30,000 per container. Applicable to all global trade routes, the new regulation signals an increasingly stringent requirement for compliant declarations in the shipping industry.

I.Policy Background: Safety Operation and Compliance Upgrade

Recently, Ocean Network Express (ONE) released an official notice, announcing the implementation of a new Misdeclaration Charge standard worldwide starting January 1, 2026. This adjustment is regarded as a key measure by ONE to improve overall operational safety and ensure strict adherence to international shipping regulations, following recent industry safety incidents such as the general average case of the "ONE Henry Hudson". In the announcement, ONE emphasizes that accurate and truthful cargo declaration is the cornerstone of ensuring ship navigation safety, port operational efficiency, and the stability of the entire supply chain. Any form of concealment, omission, or misdeclaration will not only disrupt normal processes but also potentially pose serious safety hazards.

II.Core of the New Regulation: Detailed Fee Structure and Interpretation

Based on cargo risk levels and the manner of discovery, the new regulation sets a clear tiered fee structure as follows:

For Non-Dangerous Goods/Non-Dangerous Prohibited Items

( e.g., goods requiring special loading/stowage, non-hazardous chemicals, batteries, etc. )

1.Voluntary Correction by Customer: If the customer takes the initiative to modify misdeclarations made during the booking phase (either before or after the cargo arrives at the destination), the fee is USD 3,000 per container.

2.Discovery and Mandatory Correction by ONE: If ONE identifies inconsistent declarations during routine inspections and imposes modifications, the fee is USD 6,000 per container.

For Dangerous Goods and Dangerous Prohibited Items

( Highest risk level )

3.Voluntary Correction by Customer: If the customer voluntarily amends misdeclarations of dangerous goods, the fee is USD 15,000 per container.

4.Discovery and Mandatory Correction by ONE: If ONE detects misdeclarations of dangerous goods during verification and enforces corrections, the fee is as high as USD 30,000 per container.

Key Interpretations

1.Global Applicability: The new rates apply to all ONE trade routes and services, remaining in effect until further notice.

2.Clear Accountability: ONE explicitly reserves the right to withhold cargo and refuse any bill of lading or document modifications until the Misdeclaration Charge is fully paid.

3.Significant Deterrence: Penalties for passively discovered misdeclarations (especially for dangerous goods) are 5 times higher than those for voluntary corrections, aiming to severely deter and minimize intentional misdeclarations.

III.Industry Impact and Recommendations for Shippers and Freight Forwarders

ONE’s substantial adjustment to penalty standards sends a clear signal to global shippers and freight forwarders: shipping safety is non-negotiable, and compliant declaration has become a baseline requirement. In recent years, safety incidents such as fires caused by misdeclaration or concealment of dangerous goods have occurred from time to time, resulting in significant losses for shipping companies, ports, and all supply chain participants. In this regard, we offer the following recommendations to foreign trade and logistics enterprises:

1.Strengthen Internal Audits: Establish a rigorous internal verification mechanism for cargo declarations. Especially when handling special goods such as chemicals, batteries, and magnetic materials, ensure verification of their true attributes and UN numbers.

2.Ensure Document Consistency: Guarantee that cargo descriptions on all documents (including booking information, commercial invoices, and packing lists) are fully accurate and consistent.

3.Proactive Communication: If a declaration error is identified, promptly contact the shipping company to apply for modifications. This ensures eligibility for the lower "voluntary correction" rate, avoiding substantial fines and shipment delays due to subsequent investigations.

Conclusion

ONE’s new policy marks an important step in the industry’s efforts to strengthen self-regulation and jointly build a safety barrier. Against the backdrop of increasing global supply chain complexity, compliance and integrity will become key components of the core competitiveness of shippers and freight forwarders. Closely monitoring policy updates from various shipping companies and enhancing internal compliance management are crucial to mitigating risks and ensuring the smooth shipment of goods.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official confirmation, please refer to relevant regulations and local administrative authorities’ rulings. Any dynamic adjustments shall be subject to the official interpretations and announcements of competent authorities at home and abroad. The article is sourced from ONE’s official announcements, and images are from the internet. If any infringement or copyright issues arise, please contact admin@mbs-gz.com via email. We will promptly remove the relevant content. Thank you.