The issues the businesses face, especially in the Chittagong Port, with respect to the ease of carrying out import and export activities on account of congestion, could soon become a matter of the past after the Customs House Chittagong (CHC) recently called upon the traders to take delivery and release import consignments coming through air as well sea port within the stipulated time as mentioned in the law to avoid legal action, including public auction of goods.
According to media reports, the CHC recently issued a public notice asking importers and their customs and clearing agents to take delivery of the import consignments within 30 days of arrival of goods at the at the Hazrat Shah Amanat International Airport and from the Chittagong Sea Port within 21 days of arrival.
Underlining that the CHC is committed to ensuring a business and investment-friendly environment, the notice issued by it maintained ‘importers are requested to take release of their goods fast to avoid auction, penalty and other legal actions’ while warning that customs authorities would auction the goods or initiate legal action as per the Customs Act-1969 if the import consignments were not taken on time and importers will also have to face penalty and other charges, including port charge, for delay in releasing the goods even as on the other hand the Chittagong Port Authority on 11 June called upon the traders to expedite release of the imported consignments during weekends to help the port authorities reduce congestion at the port.
The CHC has, reportedly, sent the notice to the trade bodies, including the Federation of Bangladesh of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other associations.
