Delay in containers clearance annoys traders

[LRE]

Delay in containers clearance annoys traders


By: Waqar Hamza | Published: June 13, 2009

KARACHI - The traders have shown serious concerns over the long delays in the clearance of containers at Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), PICT and KICT, saying that problems at terminals are worsening day-by-day as thousands of containers are stucked up, causing severe problems for trade and industry.
It was told that such delays in clearance are affecting the Industry and creating shortage in the supply of raw material, resultantly raising the cost of doing business.


QICT is bound to ground the containers after getting intimation for examination, however, it takes at least seven to ten (7-10) days to ground a container, but no one is taking note on this annoying situation, being faced by traders and businessmen. The container dwell times are well above international norms and procedures remain complex, which need improvements for smooth handling of operations for achieving acceptable levels of productivity on custom clearance system.

It was recommended that no further ship should be berthed at QICT that is already over burdened to avoid damages, demurrages and container terminal charges for traders. The same, but not with that intensity, is the case with Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) and Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT).

In this regard, a meeting was held at KCCI the other day in which such issues related to Customs & Shipping issues was discussed, where Nisar Muhammad, Collector Care, Pakistan Customs was invited as a Chief Guest. Capt Zafar Iqbal Awan, CEO PICT & Capt Rashid Jamil, COO-KICT & Junaid Zameer representing QICT joined as guests.
They were told of late grounding and late examinations which are inflicting the traders by way of increasing their costs. Moreover when PACCS was being rolled out to the trade it was the prime objective that it would speed up the system of Customs whereby both import and export trade would get benefited and will flourish.

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