The Council of Ministers approved the new Regulation for the Exercise of the Activity of Shipping Agency, Cargo and Complementary Services, by means of Decree No. 40/2024, of 12 June 2024, which repealed Decree No. 53/2006, of 26 December 2024.
 
The new statute regulates the following activities: 

a) shipping agency;

b) freight forwarding; and
c) complementary services, namely:

•   charter for cargo;

•   conference;

•   expertise and superintendence;

•   provision of guards on board ships;

•   warehousing;

•   ancillary stevedoring services;

•   stowaways discovery services;

•   shipchandling; and

•   hire of vessels to assist ships.

 
The above-mentioned activities are exclusively reserved for national companies duly licensed for this purpose.  Notwithstanding, the applicable licensing requirements and fees vary depending on the company’s corporate structure. Companies fully owned by foreign shareholders are subject to higher aggravated licensing fees.
 
Pursuant to the new Regulation, the following entities shall no longer be able to operate as ship and cargo agents:
 

•   importers and exporters;

•   shipowners, ship operators;

•   customs brokers;

•   port, railway and road operators;

•   customs transit warehouse operators; and

•   cargo terminals.

 
Companies operating in-country shall comply with the requirements set forth in the new Regulation as to continue their activities.
 
The new Regulation enters into force on 12 August 2024.

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