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Simple English definitions for legal terms
tonnage duty
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A quick definition of tonnage duty:
Tonnage duty is a tax charged on commercial ships when they enter, stay in, or leave a port. It is based on the weight of the ship. The United States Constitution prohibits states from imposing tonnage duties.A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Tonnage duty is a charge imposed on a commercial vessel for entering, remaining in, or leaving a port, usually assessed on the basis of the ship's weight.
Example: A cargo ship weighing 10,000 tons enters a port and is charged a tonnage duty of $10 per ton. The total tonnage duty charged to the ship would be $100,000.
This example illustrates how tonnage duty is calculated based on the weight of the ship. It is a fee charged by the port authorities for using their facilities and services.