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The Philippine Ports Authority issued a clarification on the assessment of storage charges on empty reefer containers
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Fees apply to foreign empty reefer containers stored in reefer racks or designated reefer facilities, even if unplugged
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Empty reefer containers that are unplugged and non-operational will be assessed storage charges at the applicable dry container rate
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The clarification was issued to “ensure fairness, consistency, and accuracy in the assessment of storage charges, and in response to requests for clarification regarding the implementation” of rates under PPA MC No. 021-2023
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) issued a clarification on the assessment of storage charges on empty reefer containers.
Reefer storage rates under PPA Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 021-2023 apply to empty reefer containers stored in reefer racks or designated reefer facilities, even if unplugged, the ports authority clarified in MC No. 01-2026 dated January 8 and published on January 15.
Moreover, empty reefer containers that are unplugged and non-operational will be assessed storage charges at the applicable dry container rate, provided that such containers do not utilize electrical power and are not stored in reefer racks or designated reefer facilities.
MC 01-2026, which took effect immediately, was issued to “ensure fairness, consistency, and accuracy in the assessment of storage charges, and in response to requests for clarification regarding the implementation” of PPA MC No. 021-2023.
MC No. 21-2023, which took effect in 2024, implements the approved 32% increase in storage charges for foreign container shipments after the free storage period (FSP), as well as the surcharge for the storage of reefer containers.
READ: PPA approves higher storage fees for foreign containerized cargoes
PPA said the increase after 10 years is a smart way to use the yard better and ensure quick removal of import containers, avoiding congestion. It also said that the surcharge on reefer storage is meant to encourage importers to quickly clear their containers, freeing up crucial storage space in ports and discouraging long-term storage use.
Storage charges apply after the five-day FSP for imports, four-day FSP for exports, and 15-day FSP for transshipment, increasing depending on the period of stay and size of the box.
READ: PPA’s new free storage policy requires earlier payment of storage charges
