The HM Customs Department has advised customs brokers, importers and traders of a temporary system issue affecting the calculation of wharfage on certain Customs Declarations (TDs). Photo: Facebook

According to the department's Facebook post, the issue follows changes to the wharfage rate associated with the Government’s Basket of Goods initiative. After the initiative expired on July 31, 2026, the system correctly reverted the wharfage rate to 2 per cent for goods arriving between August 1 and August 3. Photo: Internet Source/ File

According to the department's Facebook post, the issue follows changes to the wharfage rate associated with the Government’s Basket of Goods initiative. After the initiative expired on July 31, 2026, the system correctly reverted the wharfage rate to 2 per cent for goods arriving between August 1 and August 3.

It added that, however, after the Government decided to extend the Basket of Goods initiative, the wharfage rate was restored to 1 per cent for eligible goods arriving after August 3. The extension will remain in effect until August 31, 2026; therefore, a limited number of Customs Declarations may incorrectly display the 2 per cent wharfage rate instead of the applicable 1 per cent rate.

Measures to be taken 

HM Customs is further advising affected parties to continue validating and submitting their TDs as usual. Importers and traders should wait for their Payment Summary before making payment. As a temporary measure, the Ports Authority cashier will manually calculate and apply the correct wharfage amount to affected declarations.

The department clarified that while wharfage is calculated on the Customs Declaration, it is a Ports Authority fee. HM Customs calculates the amount shown on the declaration but does not collect the fee.

Persons with questions about the wharfage charge are encouraged to contact the Ports Authority directly. HM Customs apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked brokers, importers and traders for their patience while a permanent system correction is implemented.