---
title: "Carbon Tax Surcharge"
description: "The Carbon Tax Surcharge is a single flat fee applied to container movements at or via the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver. It reflects charges implemented by ocean carriers as a result of the British Columbia Carbon Tax policy."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/carbon-tax-surcharge/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-12T16:18:03Z
topics:
  - "Carbon Control"
---

# Carbon Tax Surcharge

The Carbon Tax Surcharge is a single flat fee applied to container movements at or via the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver. It reflects charges implemented by ocean carriers as a result of the British Columbia Carbon Tax policy.

## What is a Carbon Tax Surcharge?

The Carbon Tax Surcharge is a single flat fee applied to container movements at or via the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver.

This surcharge reflects the charges implemented by ocean carriers as a result of the British Columbia Carbon Tax policy.

If applicable, a Carbon Tax Surcharge will appear on your Flexport quote or invoice as a destination charge.

## Why do carriers charge a carbon tax surcharge?

British Columbia applies a carbon tax to fuel, and ocean carriers often pass part of that cost to shippers through this surcharge. Because it's a flat fee per container movement, it doesn't change with the weight or value of your cargo.

## How can you plan for it?

Check whether your routing touches Vancouver or Prince Rupert, since the surcharge applies to container movements at or through those ports. Carriers set their own amounts and may update them, so confirm the current charge on your quote.

Related terms: [Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF)](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/bunker-adjustment-factor/) and [Peak Season Surcharge (PSS)](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/peak-season-surcharge/).

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/glossary/carbon-tax-surcharge/](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/carbon-tax-surcharge/) for AI/LLM consumption.*