Shippers dismiss as unworkable a short timeline for registering detailed export documentation digitally under Export General Manifest devised as a mechanism for preventing trade-based money laundering.
Submission of the EGM within 72 hours of cargo-ship departure from the port has been made mandatory by the customs authority, incidentally following the detection of 'false export' by some 'ghost' or shell corporations.
However, the trade stakeholders find it not feasible under the existing condition with partial automation of clearance process linked to a global network, and they put forward demands for a revision of the methodology.
The 72-hour timeline after the ship leaving the port would be difficult to follow as the traders have to do many procedures offline as per instructions of the customs officials at Chittagong Customs House (CCH), they said.
The shippers in a letter has demand the timeline to be extended to seven working days to allow them to complete requisite customs processes. Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) recently sent the letter to the customs.
Under a Scope of Work, issued by the customs authority last month, the shipping agents would be required to follow a 72-hour timeline for submitting Bill of Lading against export after the ship leaves the port.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has incorporated EGM option into the Asycuda World system in a bid to check money laundering, cut export-processing time at customs point, ensure accurate export data and ease the overall export process.
The letter, signed by Syed Mohammad Arif, chairman of BSAA, Khairul Alam Sujon, vice president (Chattogram) BSAA, and Enamul Huq, convener, Chattogram branch committee of BSAA, carries 12-point demands to the revenue board.
Mr Arif says the shippers need more time to complete the process as completing customs procedures takes a major time at the port.
"Though the Asycuda system is here, customs often asks the shippers to submit print copies of many documents," he adds, indicating hassles still hanging out there in the export-import processing.
And importers have to count demurrage in port for delay in releasing goods although they are not responsible for this, he laments.
"Now, the new customs act has imposed additional 10-percent penalty for delay in releasing goods from ports. Its' unfortunate, indeed," he says the association leader about alleged extra cost and unease of doing business.
In October last, customs determined 'Scope of Work' for the stakeholders for dealing with EGM in a bid to thwart existence of 'ghost' exporters and check money laundering.
Such non-existent exporters and those allegedly involved in under-invoicing and over-invoicing in external trade are blamed for siphoning off money.
The BSAA demands an increase in server frequency of customs as they face difficulties due to slow speed from 11.00am to 05.00pm in submitting EGM.
Other demands include sending notification of EGM and master EGM, allowing correction and modification of EGM for seven working days, opening helpdesks etc.
Both BSAA and Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA) leaders have made these demands on EGM at a zoom meeting, which has been compiled to place before the NBR for its consideration.
Earlier, the NBR implemented EGM in all customs houses through Asycuda System aiming to ease export process, check siphoning, and reduce time of export processing and ensure dependable export data.
The wing under the National Board of Revenue has set the SfW for sea-bound cargos, land ports and air cargos that came into effect on October 15, 2023.
It has issued the order to all relevant stakeholders, including all export associations, customs houses across the country, Bangladesh Bank (BB), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Port Authorities, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Ministry of Commerce, Export Promotion Bureau, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and so.
The area of work or guidelines would be applicable to Clearing and Forwarding (C&F), and Shipping agents, Freight Forwarders, off dock or private Inland Container Depots, customs officials and airlines.
Both freight forwarders and shipping agents also have to complete BL-submission process of EGM against export within 72 hours of the ship departing from the port.
Customs officials will have to close EGM in the Asycuda World system within 72 hours of departure of ships from ports after shipment of export goods.
The EGM consists of lists of goods, names of exporters and importers, volumes, and nature as to whether a company wants to export via land, air or sea routes.
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