TIMES Report, Chattogram
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a new directive requiring that import containers destined for Inland Container Depots (ICDs), also known as off-docks, be transferred on the same day they are unloaded at Chattogram Port.
If it is not possible to transfer the entire consignment on the first day, the remaining containers must be moved by the following day.
According to the NBR, charges will only be applied once the full consignment has been moved off-dock. However, in situations where off-dock authorities face capacity constraints or other special circumstances, the Commissioner of Chattogram Custom House may allow “dual delivery” at their discretion.
The directive, issued on August 14 by NBR Second Secretary (Customs, Export Policy and Bonds) Md Al Amin, includes three instructions circulated to ICD owners and stakeholders. The aim is to streamline operations and reduce delays.
The NBR acknowledged concerns raised by industrial enterprises, business organizations, and other stakeholders over operational delays, complexities, and limited ICD capacity. The new guidelines are designed to address these challenges and facilitate smoother trade.
In Chattogram, 19 private ICDs manage nearly 95% of export cargo and handle 65 categories of imported goods and empty container operations.
Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, commented on the directive, stating, “Previously, we had four days of free time to transfer containers from the port to the depots. This new rule will significantly impact our operations.”
