Nhava Sheva, June 27, 2025 — In a decisive move to tackle escalating operational costs, the Nhava Sheva Depots and Container Association (NSDCA) has issued a Trade Advisory announcing the implementation of a uniform INR 500 handling charge for all empty export container pick-ups across member depots. The new tariff will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
The decision follows a detailed deliberation during the NSDCA members’ meeting held on June 13, 2025, where all participating empty depot operators unanimously highlighted the growing financial pressures they face. These include steep increases in land lease rentals, statutory wage and welfare obligations, continued diesel and energy price inflation, and new RTO-mandated parking space requirements. Additionally, rising costs associated with security resources, yard maintenance, and infrastructure burdens were cited as contributing factors.
The INR 500 charge is intended to standardize pricing across all NSDCA member depots, several of which already follow this rate. By creating a uniform charge, NSDCA aims to maintain economic viability for shipping lines, NVOCCs, and all stakeholders in the export logistics chain. The association emphasized that continued absorption of these rising costs is unsustainable, prompting the need for this common handling fee.
NSDCA’s Secretary General, Mr. Sandeep Naik, welcomed members’ unified stance and encouraged all stakeholders to align with the new structure, which ensures service continuity and operational efficiency at Nhava Sheva terminals.