Shipping Arabia, October 30, 2026 – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has introduced stricter empty container return rules, requiring shipping agents and shipping lines to address disruptions in container returns and prevent unjustified detention charges imposed on importers. The authority also warned that violations could result in financial penalties of up to SAR 50,000 per case.
The measures aim to protect customers’ rights, improve operational coordination and strengthen logistics efficiency across Saudi ports. They address situations in which importers cannot return empty containers because designated yards are full, have suspended acceptance or cannot provide suitable return appointments.
According to a circular reported by Maaal, Mawani has received complaints and observations concerning these disruptions. In some cases, importers have incurred detention charges for periods when circumstances beyond their control prevented them from returning containers.
The authority has therefore established regulatory requirements covering yard availability, documentation of unsuccessful return attempts, detention charge disputes and compliance monitoring.
Shipping Agents Required to Ensure Empty Container Yard Availability
Under the new empty container return rules, shipping agents and shipping lines must ensure that designated container return facilities remain operationally ready and have sufficient capacity to receive empty containers.
They must also maintain coordination with relevant parties to arrange alternative return locations when designated facilities cannot accommodate containers. Customers must receive written notification of these alternative arrangements.
Mawani reiterated the requirements of Circular No. 36 of 2026, which obliges shipping agents to clearly identify the designated empty container return location when issuing delivery orders.
Importantly, shipping agents must verify that the designated facility has the operational capacity to accept containers. Simply specifying a return location without confirming its availability does not satisfy the requirements outlined by the authority.
These obligations seek to address recurring problems involving unavailable yard capacity, suspended container acceptance and difficulties securing return appointments.
Documenting Unsuccessful Returns and Reviewing Detention Charges
Mawani has introduced a standardized documentation form to record incidents in which importers cannot return empty containers to their designated locations.
The form records the relevant incident details and reasons preventing the return. It is intended to provide documented evidence when container yards cannot accept equipment.
Where a yard operator refuses to issue the required documentation, the authority will allow alternative verifiable evidence. This may include appointment booking records, rejection notices and correspondence demonstrating that the attempted container return could not be completed.
The documentation requirements are directly linked to the treatment of detention charges incurred during periods when container returns were impossible.
Shipping agents must review detention charge claims associated with documented periods of unsuccessful returns. They are also required to settle or cancel the relevant charges in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks.
The measures are intended to prevent importers from bearing detention costs arising from operational circumstances outside their control, while establishing clearer procedures for documenting and resolving disputes.
Mawani Introduces 15-Day Compliance Monitoring Period
The Saudi Ports Authority has established an intensified monitoring period covering all shipping agents and shipping lines for 15 days from the circular’s issuance.
During this period, the authority will monitor compliance with the requirements governing empty container returns and the handling of related detention charges.
Each shipping agent must also submit a detailed compliance report within the same 15-day period. Reports must be delivered through the designated email address or by formal written correspondence.
The reporting obligation forms part of Mawani’s regulatory oversight framework and seeks to ensure that shipping agents address the identified operational and administrative shortcomings.
Fines of Up to SAR 50,000 for Regulatory Violations
Mawani warned that it would not tolerate practices resulting in importers being charged unjustified detention fees.
The authority stated that continued noncompliance could trigger additional regulatory measures, including further corrective requirements and intensified supervision.
Other potential measures include extending the free-time allowances established under the regulations governing shipping agency activities. Mawani may also publicly disclose the names of entities that fail to comply with its requirements.
Financial penalties could reach the maximum legally prescribed amount of SAR 50,000 for each violation.
The authority further prohibited any retaliatory or arbitrary measures against parties submitting complaints, reinforcing protections for customers seeking to challenge improper charges or report difficulties returning containers.
Through the new empty container return rules, Mawani aims to strengthen accountability among shipping agents and shipping lines, improve the management of container return facilities and protect importers from detention charges arising from documented operational disruptions.
Source: Maaal
