CMA CGM announces new surcharges and documentation updates for trade routes to the Maldives, Kenya, and various Americas destinations.
CMA CGM has announced tariff and compliance updates affecting trade lanes to the Maldives, Kenya, and multiple destinations across the Americas. The measures introduce new surcharges and documentation obligations designed to reflect evolving market and navigational conditions. Cargo owners moving goods on the affected routes should factor these changes into their forecasting and rate planning ahead of the effective dates outlined below.
Effective 12 September 2026, CMA CGM will apply a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) to shipments moving from the Far East to the Maldives. The surcharge begins at US$150 per TEU and rises to US$450 per TEU from 15 September 2026. This charge applies to all cargo types.
For shipments originating in China, the carrier states that the PSS must be filed with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and/or incorporated into the base ocean freight rate, in line with local rate-filing requirements. Shippers managing seasonal volume on this corridor are advised to confirm the applicable rate structure with the carrier before booking to ensure accurate landed-cost calculations during the peak period.
For containerized cargo destined for Kenya, CMA CGM has confirmed new documentation requirements tied to the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) regime, which took effect on 3 August 2026. Under this mandate, shippers must obtain an ACD Reference Code before loading and have it reflected on the final Bill of Lading.
Once the process is completed, a 15-digit ACD Reference Number is issued. CMA CGM has cautioned that incorrect or missing information may result in delays, additional inspections, discharge complications, or financial penalties. Early and accurate preparation of these documents supports smoother customs clearance and helps protect delivery commitments on the Kenya trade lane.
Effective 1 October 2026, CMA CGM will implement a Low Water Surcharge (LWS) of US$150 per TEU on selected routes within the Americas. This surcharge applies to all cargo and addresses reduced navigational capacity on affected waterways.
The LWS covers shipments from the US East Coast and Gulf, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa to the South America West Coast. It also applies to departures from the US West Coast bound for a range of destinations, including:
- The South America East Coast
- The Central America East Coast and Caribbean
- The Mexico East Coast
- Guyana and North Brazil
- The Leeward and Windward Islands
Gustavia is excluded from the scope of this surcharge.
