Reminder on China–Taiwan direct trading restrictions

Trade restrictions on shipping across the Taiwan Strait first took effect in the 1990s. Although the level of enforcement may not have been consistent since the introduction of these measures, owners and operators intending to sail directly between China and Taiwan should take steps to check whether it is considered ‘direct trade’ and be granted the necessary permits.

Under the current measures, foreign registered vessels (non-Chinese) are permitted to sail directly between China and Taiwan only if:

• the vessel sails with transit cargo only (for example when the vessel loaded in a country other than China or Taiwan and the first discharge port is in China and the second in Taiwan without loading any additional cargo at either discharge port for discharge at the other); or
• the vessel is in ballast, with no cargo on board

Under these conditions, the Taiwan Port Authorities will allow direct sailing provided agents in China and Taiwan both apply for a ‘Direct Sailing Permit’ in advance. If either agent fails to obtain the permit, the vessel will not be allowed direct sailing. Those vessels without a ‘Direct Sailing Permit’ must call at an intermediate ‘neutral’ port, typically in Japan or Korea.

Approved ports

Correspondents in China, Huatai Marine, further advise that the port of destination in Mainland China must be an approved direct port.

Currently, approved ports in Mainland China are reported to be as follows:

Dandong, Dalian, Yingkou, Tangshan, Jinzhou, Qinhuangdao, Tianjin, HuangHua, Weihai, Yantai, Longkou, Lanshan, Rizhao, Qingdao, Lianyungang, Dafeng, Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Taizhou, Jiaxing, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, Songxia, Ningde, Quanzhou, Xiaocuo, Xiuyu, Zhangzhou, Xiamen, Shantou, Chaozhou, Huizhou, Shekou, Yantian, Chiwan, Mawan, Humen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Maoming, Zhanjiang, Beihai, Fangcheng, Qinzhou, Haikou, Sanya, Taicang, Nantong, Zhangjiagang, Jiangyin, Yangzhou, Changshu, Changzhou, Taizhou, Zhenjiang, Nanjing, Wuhu, Ma’anshan, Jiujiang, Wuhan, Chenglingji. Tongling, Shidao, Laizhou, Damaiyu, Shenjiamen.

Approved ports in Taiwan for foreign vessels must be designated “offshore shipping centers” and are understood to be as follows:

Kaohsiung, Taichung, Keelung, Taipei Port.

We strongly recommend that Members check the latest position and permit procedures with local agents in advance of a vessel’s call.