Government blocks retroactive war surcharges on cargo

Customs authorities have ordered shipping lines and their local agents to stop charging war-risk and emergency conflict surcharges on consignments that had already departed or entered transit before the recent escalation in regional hostilities. ProPakistani said the move followed complaints from traders who described the fees as unfair and retroactive.

The report noted that the charges were allegedly being applied to cargo that had sailed or was already in transit before February 28, 2026. Officials responded by directing companies to immediately halt the practice and warning that unjustified billing on earlier shipments would not be accepted.

Authorities also asked traders to submit evidence where such charges had already been demanded or collected so action could be taken. The step is aimed at protecting importers and exporters from additional costs at a time when regional conflict is already putting pressure on Pakistan’s trade flows.