29/06/2022
Bangladesh Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) issued new regulations for dangerous goods, including the need to pick up dangerous goods containers within three days after arrival, and appealed to interests Relevant parties abide by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), correctly declare the dangerous goods container on the master manifest of imported goods, and mark the dangerous goods with the corresponding label.
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) immediately issued new port regulations to reduce risks after a recent fire in Chittagong port caused by dangerous goods damaged a container terminal and killed 43 people and injured hundreds. The CPA states that if a dangerous goods container arrives at Chittagong port without being properly marked, a dangerous goods label must be affixed before unloading at the port yard. Dangerous goods leaving the port shall be in standard packaging and palletized in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Act 1953 and IMDG.
The new regulations require customs to inspect dangerous goods containers as early as possible to ensure fast delivery. If laboratory testing is required, the container should be sent to the importer's location. If all dangerous goods and perishable products are not delivered in time, an auction shall be conducted, and if necessary, the customs shall conduct on-site bidding to free up the space of the port terminal. The CPA expects customs to auction at least fifty containers held at the southern terminal each day, and ordered that long-term storage of dangerous goods at the P-shed and Bapex container yards will be destroyed within seven days.
The port authority also warned that if any importer brings falsely declared goods into the country, the customs will take stern action, including prohibiting the importer from transporting any goods into the country in the future. The port will be declared a smoke-free zone, and regular fire drills will be conducted at the hazmat container yards, chemical sheds and container cargo terminals.
In a recent meeting of CPA with importers and exporters, shipping agents, customs clearance and freight forwarders, etc., it was pointed out that the use of damaged containers to transport dangerous goods is prohibited, and importers are required to contact Bangladesh Customs 24 hours before the arrival of the goods. Confirm customs clearance.
Credit: Taiwan Xinsheng Daily Shipping News Network
