Port Congestion: NBR tightens rules to clear

Staff Reporter :

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed that containers destined for Inland Container Depots (ICDs) or off-docks must be moved from ships to the depots on the same day they are unloaded at Chattogram Port.

If a consignment cannot be fully transferred on the first day, the remaining containers must be shifted by the following day, according to an NBR circular issued on 14 August.

The circular specifies that handling charges will only be applied once the entire consignment has been delivered to the depot. In exceptional cases, such as capacity constraints, the Commissioner of Chattogram Custom House may permit “dual delivery,” allowing some goods to be released directly from the port.

Currently, 65 types of imported goods are already routed to private ICDs or off-docks to reduce congestion at Chattogram Port. However, businesses, industries, and clearing agents have long raised concerns over delays, limited space, and complex procedures in ICD operations. The new directive aims to accelerate container movement and facilitate smoother trade.

At a 25 July meeting, leaders of the C&F Agents Association told the NBR that although ICDs often seek permission to handle larger volumes of imports, they frequently lack adequate space and equipment, causing delivery delays. They requested that dual delivery from the port be permitted to alleviate pressure.

The NBR Chairman indicated that another meeting will be convened with ICD owners to assess their actual handling capacity. Currently, 19 private ICDs operate in Chattogram, managing imports, exports, and empty containers.

Commenting on the new rule, Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, said: “We typically have four days to move containers from the port to the depots. Completing this within one or two days will be challenging if there is congestion. If the port is clear, it may be feasible, but otherwise it will be difficult.”

The move is part of broader efforts to improve port efficiency and streamline import operations, which remain critical for trade and industrial supply chains.