Regulations for Shipping Agents

First: General Obligations and Responsibilities: Without prejudice to the obligations and responsibilities stipulated in the Commercial Maritime Law, whoever conducts the work of shipping agents at ports shall: 1. adhere to the laws, regulations, decisions, instructions, and circulars issued by the Authority and the relevant entities; 2. comply with the international standards and conventions facilitating international maritime trade; 3. provide all data and information related to the shipping agent services at the Authority’s request; 4. inform ship owners or operators of all circulars and instructions issued by the Authority and the relevant entities; 5. make the necessary arrangements related to Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and prepare documents for imported, exported, or transshipped cargo; 6. act on behalf of ship owners or operators in lawsuits arising out of local maritime transport; and shall be treated as principal in those lawsuits; 7. conclude contracts within their powers in accordance with the agency contract; and 8. be liable as a guarantor for any act or negligence by any of their employees, which may cause damage to the port, its facilities, its employees, or a third party within the port boundaries; and shall unconditionally pay compensation for losses resulting from such acts or negligence, except for any loss of profits. Second: Code of Professional Conduct: The shipping agent shall conduct professional due diligence when performing their tasks in accordance with the relevant professional standards, laws, and regulations. In particular, the shipping agent shall: 1. inform the Authority of any illegal practices observed while providing services to ships or cargo; 2. maintain confidentiality of all data and documents related to shipping agency services; 3. perform their work actively and efficiently, upholding honesty, integrity, accuracy, professionalism, and impartiality; and 4. conduct their work as required, demonstrating commitment to their work and avoiding any illegal or suspicious practices that violate the applicable laws and instructions. Third: Shipping Agent Obligations towards Ships: The shipping agent shall: 1. perform all the work and procedures required by ships or their crews while being within the port boundaries;