Container Cleaning Charge

Container Cleaning Charge refers to the fee incurred when a container requires extra cleaning before being returned to the shipping line or depot due to residual cargo, stains, odors, etc. It commonly occurs after import deconsolidation, especially when the cargo is bulk, liquid, powder, chemicals, food, or soil-bearing raw materials, which easily contaminate the container. The shipping line or depot inspects the container condition; if it does not meet the standards for the next voyage, a cleaning charge is levied on the cargo owner or freight forwarder. This fee is usually borne by the responsible party; if the bill of lading or container lease agreement does not specify clearly, disputes may arise. Note the difference from 'Container Repair Charge': cleaning charge is only for cleaning, while repair charge is for structural damage to the container. It also differs from 'Demurrage', which is incurred due to overstaying the container. In practice, it is advisable to specify the party responsible for the cleaning charge in the contract and keep before-and-after cleaning photos as evidence to avoid extra deductions.