Chattogram Customs House has initiated the process of auctioning 102 containers of uncleared imported goods through an online auction (e-auction) system. The move aims to ease congestion and ensure the efficient use of Chattogram port facilities.
According to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday, the auction is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the physical and financial security of the port while expediting the disposal of goods that have remained uncleared for extended periods.
The 102 containers will be offered for sale in 44 separate lots during June through the Bangladesh Customs e-auction platform.
The goods include a wide range of items such as chemicals, industrial machinery and equipment, paper products, freezers, generators, limestone, fabricated materials, transformers, quartz powder, and household goods.
Customs authorities confirmed that no reserve price has been fixed for the auctioned items. Participants can register on the Bangladesh Customs e-auction portal and place bids from anywhere.
However, while bidding is conducted online, bidders must still submit the required security pay-order and supporting documents in the designated tender box as per auction rules.
Successful bidders will be required to clear the goods in accordance with the provisions of the Import Policy Order 2021–2024. The tender box for the auction, titled “e-Auction-6/2026,” is scheduled to be opened at 11am on 18 June.
Under existing regulations, importers are required to take delivery of their goods within 30 days of unloading at the port. If goods remain uncleared after this period, customs issues a notice to the importer.
Should the goods remain unclaimed for another 15 days, customs is authorised to auction them. Goods confiscated for false declarations may also be sold through auction.
Despite the legal provision requiring disposal within 45 days, the rule has not been consistently enforced for many years. As a result, large numbers of uncleared containers have accumulated in the port yard, contributing to periodic congestion and reducing the availability of storage space.
Port and customs officials expect that the disposal of long-staying cargo through e-auctions will help improve operational efficiency at the port.
