JHENIDAH, Sept 21: Revenue generated by Benapole land port has fallen short by Tk 6,000 million in two and a half months as import of goods with high tariff rates through this port has decreased in recent days.
Sources said, National Board of Revenue (NBR) set a target of revenue collection of Tk 62,835.00 million for Benapole land port for FY 2019-20. A total of Tk 6,420 million in revenue has been collected up to September 18, 2019, making a shortfall of about Tk 6,000 million for the period.
Sources alleged that many importers are importing their high duty consignments through some other land ports and Chattogram sea port.
President of the Staff Association, Benapole land port, said, due to strict application of tariff rates coupled with proper checking and examination of "risk management" items, importers have lost interest in importing high duty products through this land port.
According to Clearing and Forwarding (C&F) Agents Association sources, high duty commercial goods like saree, three-piece sets, cloth, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, motor vehicle parts and cosmetics are being imported through Benapole land port less than before.
The tariff rates of the commercial items including these goods are 25 per cent.
Sources said the import of chemicals, whose tariff rates are 5.0 per cent, 10 per cent and 25 per cent, has shown a significant decrease through port in recent times.
C&F Agents Association members said all chemicals imported from India are examined at the land port laboratory of Benapole Customs House nowadays. Sometimes it takes several days to get the report and clearance. Besides, the importers are to pay test fees.
President of the Staff Association, Mojibor Rahman, said import of high tariff goods through Benapole port has declined significantly. Previously 500 to 600 goods-laden trucks would come to Bangladesh every day through this land port whereas around 250 trucks come here carrying Indian goods a day now, on an average, he added.
Huge machinery worth US$60,000, as for example, cannot be imported through Benapole port under the set conditions. Different codes are used for various separated parts of heavy machinery here. But the heavy machines can be imported through Chattogram port in "assimilated" condition, sources said.
For importing poultry feeds through Benapole land port, importers require to apply to the ministry via their association and receive approval, making them reluctant to import such things through this port, concerned sources said.
Mohsin Milon, President of Benapole Importers and Exporters Association and Joint Secretary of Clearing & Forwarding (C&F) Agents Association said there are infrastructural problems in the port.
There is a shortage of cranes and sometimes cranes remain out of order. The port lacks CC cameras. Being the largest government land port of the country, it needs more infrastructure to facilitate unloading of imported goods.
Assistant Commissioner, Customs House, Benapole, Uttom Chakma said Indian C&F Agents Association had sent them a letter saying that the Indian association's members and truck drivers would cease to send goods for four days (October 5-8) on the occasion of Durga Puja.
The assistant commissioner said the revenue earning would be slightly less due to the period. However, it will be as usual after the Puja, he added.
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