In logistics and international trade activities, besides Ocean Freight and various Local Charges, businesses are also required to fulfill several financial obligations imposed by government authorities. One of the most important fees that directly impacts customs clearance procedures is the Port Construction Fee (Seaport Infrastructure Fee).
So, what exactly is a Port Construction Fee? Which businesses are required to pay it? What are the current fee rates at major seaports such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong? Let's explore the details below.
What Is a Port Construction Fee?
A Port Construction Fee, officially known as the Fee for the Use of Seaport Infrastructure, Service Facilities, and Public Utilities within Seaport Border-Gate Areas, is a charge imposed on goods imported, exported, temporarily imported for re-export, transshipped, in transit, or stored in bonded warehouses through seaport systems.
This fee is collected by local authorities operating major seaports to generate funding for:
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Developing transportation infrastructure connected to seaports.
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Upgrading roads, bridges, terminals, and logistics facilities.
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Reducing traffic congestion in port areas.
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Enhancing port operational efficiency and supply chain competitiveness.
In Vietnam, Hai Phong was the first locality to implement seaport infrastructure fee collection. Subsequently, Ho Chi Minh City and several other provinces adopted similar policies to support logistics infrastructure development.
Entities Subject to Port Construction Fees
Under current regulations, most organizations and individuals with cargo passing through seaport border-gate areas are required to pay this fee, including:
General Import and Export Cargo
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Export shipments.
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Import shipments.
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Commercial trading cargo.
Special Cargo Categories
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Temporary import for re-export cargo.
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Temporary export for re-import cargo.
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Bonded warehouse cargo.
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Merchanting trade cargo.
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Transit cargo.
However, certain cargo categories may be exempted from or eligible for reduced fees based on local government policies or international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.
Port Construction Fee Rates at Major Seaports
Port Construction Fee rates are not standardized nationwide. Instead, they are determined by the People's Council of each locality.
Ho Chi Minh City Fee Schedule
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City applies infrastructure fees at 26 seaports within the city and differentiates charges based on the location where the customs declaration is registered.
Cargo with Customs Declarations Opened in Ho Chi Minh City
| Cargo Type | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| 20ft Container | VND 250,000/container |
| 40ft Container | VND 500,000/container |
| Bulk and Liquid Cargo | VND 15,000/ton |
Cargo with Customs Declarations Opened Outside Ho Chi Minh City
| Cargo Type | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| 20ft Container | VND 500,000/container |
| 40ft Container | VND 1,000,000/container |
| Bulk and Liquid Cargo | VND 30,000/ton |
Transit Cargo, Temporary Import for Re-export, and Bonded Warehouse Cargo
| Cargo Type | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| Container | VND 1,000,000 – 4,400,000/container |
| Bulk Cargo | VND 50,000/ton |
Hai Phong Fee Schedule
| Cargo Type | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| 20ft Container | VND 250,000/container |
| 40ft Container and Above | VND 500,000/container |
| LCL Cargo and Bulk Cargo | VND 20,000/ton |
Temporary Import for Re-export, Transit, and Bonded Warehouse Cargo
| Cargo Type | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| 20ft Container | VND 2,200,000/container |
| 40ft Container | VND 4,400,000/container |
| Bulk Cargo | VND 50,000/ton |
Note: Fee rates may be adjusted from time to time. Businesses should regularly update information from local authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Procedures for Declaring and Paying Port Construction Fees
Today, seaport infrastructure fee collection has been fully digitized and integrated with Vietnam's Electronic Customs System.
Step 1: Submit Customs Declaration
Businesses submit customs declarations through the VNACCS/VCIS system or customs software such as ECUS to obtain a customs declaration number.
Step 2: Declare Infrastructure Fees
Access the local electronic fee collection portal:
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Ho Chi Minh City Seaport Infrastructure Fee Collection System.
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Hai Phong Seaport Infrastructure Fee Collection System.
After logging in using the company account and digital signature, users can import customs declaration data into the fee payment system.
Step 3: Make Online Payment
Businesses can pay through:
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Internet Banking.
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Mobile Banking.
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24/7 payment gateways provided by partner banks.
Step 4: Complete Customs Clearance
Once payment is successfully processed:
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An electronic receipt is automatically issued.
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Payment information is synchronized with Customs authorities.
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Cargo becomes eligible for customs clearance and can pass through port supervision areas.
Important Notes When Paying Seaport Infrastructure Fees
1. Payment Must Be Completed Before Customs Clearance
This is a mandatory requirement. Failure to pay the fee may result in:
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Customs declarations being suspended or rejected.
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Cargo being denied access through port supervision gates.
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Container demurrage charges (DEM).
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Container detention or storage charges (DET/Storage).
2. Close Coordination Between Operations and Accounting Departments
The operations team or freight forwarder should immediately provide customs declaration details after submission so that the accounting department can process payment promptly, avoiding situations where cargo arrives at the port before fee obligations have been fulfilled.
3. Verify Declaration Information Carefully
The following information should be checked thoroughly:
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Customs declaration number.
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Import/export regime.
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Number of containers.
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Cargo weight.
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Port of customs clearance.
Incorrect information may prevent system reconciliation and delay the customs clearance process.
The Role of Port Construction Fees in the Logistics Supply Chain
Although Port Construction Fees increase logistics costs in the short term, they play a significant role in the long-term development of the logistics industry by:
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Improving transportation infrastructure connected to seaports.
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Reducing inland transportation time.
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Minimizing congestion in port areas.
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Enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam's logistics system.
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Attracting investment and promoting international trade activities.
Therefore, Port Construction Fees should be considered a mandatory logistics cost and incorporated into logistics planning and product cost calculations from the outset.
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