Containers to move from Chattogram port to Bangladesh ICDs sans delay

If a full consignment cannot be transferred on the first day, the remaining containers must be shifted the next day.

A recent NBR circular said handling charges will apply only once an entire consignment is transferred off-dock.

In exceptional cases, including capacity constraints at ICDs, the commissioner of Chittagong Custom House may approve ‘dual delivery’, according to domestic media reports.

The directive follows repeated complaints from businesses and industrial enterprises about delays, bottlenecks and limited capacity at private depots.

At present, 65 categories of imported goods are sent to ICDs to reduce congestion at Chattogram sea port. Nineteen private ICDs manage import, export and empty container operations in Chattogram.

During a meeting last month, the C&F (customs clearing and forwarding) Agents Association told NBR officials that ICDs often seek approval to handle additional cargo, but lack the infrastructure to deliver goods on time. They demanded greater flexibility, including direct dual delivery from the port.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association said that after unloading at Chattogram port, usually four days of free time is available to transfer containers. Completing the process in one or two days will be difficult unless there is no congestion at the port, it added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)