The pressure of auctionable containers is mounting at the Chittagong port as importers fail to release goods within the stipulated 30 days of unloading from vessels.
As of September 12, 10,326 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of containers had accumulated in various yards of the port. The delay in clearing these containers is occupying valuable port space and causing revenue losses for the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Many of these containers hold perishable goods, which risk being damaged, while others may conceal illicit transactions, raising concerns about money laundering under false import declarations.
According to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the port currently holds 36,028 TEUs of containers, with 10,326 TEUs classified as auctionable as of September 12. The backlog is growing due to the failure of importers to clear their shipments on time. These containers include both reefer and dry containers, holding auctionable and destructible goods. Among them are 419 vehicles that are auctionable as well.
Under the Chittagong port’s regulations, importers are granted four days of free storage for their containers after unloading. Following this period, a daily storage fee of $6 is charged for a 20-foot container during the first week. The fee increases to $12 per day in the second week and $24 per day from the 21st day onwards. For 40-foot containers, the fees are doubled, with importers paying $12 per day for the first week, $24 per day up to 21 days, and $48 daily thereafter.
Several importers and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents cited a variety of reasons for delays in releasing containers, including failure to submit necessary documentation on time, discrepancies in import value, or legal complications. Additionally, if issues related to money laundering arise, importers may show reluctance in clearing their goods.
They urged the NBR to be more vigilant in these matters saying that such delays not only disrupt port operations but also result in losses for both the port and the customs authority in terms of revenue.
CPA Secretary Omar Faruk acknowledged the growing number of auctionable containers in the port's various yards. “The increasing volume of auctionable containers is disrupting our operations, while we are also losing out on warehouse fees. However, after the 30-day period, we forward a release list (RL) to the customs house and customs manages the subsequent auction process," he said.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Customs House Commissioner Faizur Rahman said that they have been regularly auctioning containers and vehicles. "We conduct e-auctions, sealed tenders, and open tenders each month. In particular, priority is given to perishable goods through open tenders to ensure a timely process," he said.
Under port regulations, importers must clear their goods within 30 days of unloading at Chittagong port. If this does not occur, the port authority transfers all relevant documentation to the customs authority. The customs office then issues a notice to the importer, allowing a further 15 days to clear the goods. If the importer fails to comply, customs can begin the process of auctioning the goods according to standard procedures.
