Hutchison Ports Felixstowe and Harwich RoRo Infrastructure Charge effective 1st July 2025 for imports

Both the Port of Felixstowe and the Port of Harwich have given notice that they will be introducing a RoRo Infrastructure Charge (RIC) for all import RoRo units' effective 1st of July 2025.

The charge will be £14.61 per laden import RoRo unit.

With the introduction of the RIC charge the current unaccompanied RoRo Cargo charge per trailer unit which was implemented in 2022 will be withdrawn.

Both ports have given a joint statement with further information about this charge in a question-and-answer format to which is quoted below for background information on why this charge has been announced.

Why are you implementing the RIC charge now?
When the first physical examinations on EU goods were introduced on 30th April 2024, a lot of uncertainty remained around the type and number of examinations we would be carrying out. Now, 12 months later, we better understand these changes and the costs involved. We believe a standard charge applied across all import RoRo units provides importers with a level of predictability on costs.

What will the RIC cover?
The RIC will cover the increased operational and administrative running costs at the port imposed by BTOM. The charge covers cost of shunts to the BCP, gas checking for fumigant prior to presentation (when necessary), devanning and presenting to Government agencies as required, revanning and maintaining biosecurity standards as mandated by Government.

What does the RIC not cover?
Occasionally other costs may be incurred such as, additional trailer movements, additional devan / revan requirements, subsequent removal of non-compliant goods, storage and loading of goods for destruction or removal. Also, if additional securing is required, or the port incurs additional costs, due to the specialist nature of the cargo or the stow, this will be advised, along with additional costs at the time. Charges will be applied as per our commercial tariff in place at the time.

What happens if my cargo is selected for a Government inspection?
The Border Control Post (BCP) is located within the port, in close proximity to the exit gate. Any consignments selected for inspection will automatically be put on hold within Destin8 and prevented from leaving the port until the hold status is removed. The port owns and operates the BCP and is able to provide a complete service including shunting, therefore eliminating the need for additional transportation costs associated with moving goods to an off-site location.

Does the RIC apply to all import RoRo units ?
The charge will apply regardless of whether an import RoRo unit is selected for examination or not.

How long will the RIC be in place?
There is no planned end-date for the RIC, as the costs associated with operating the BCP are ongoing. The charge will be reviewed periodically and any changes will be communicated accordingly.

What type of RoRo units will incur the RIC?
The RIC will be charged to all laden import units, which includes semi-trailers, rigid trailers, road-trains, containers on MAFI’s, flat racks and large plant (to include other wheeled cargo). There will be no charge made for empty equipment restituted to the UK.

How is the RIC different from the Common User Charge at other ports?
The RIC is applied as a single charge per laden import RoRo unit, whereas the Common User Charge is levied at Government operated BCPs including Sevington against each entry up to a maximum of 5, in the CHED (Common Health Export Declaration) and is collected using Government agency import data which is not available to port operators.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your local sales or customer experience representative.

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