BAFFA’s enhanced charges postponed until Mar 30

CHITTAGONG, Feb 9: Service charges on import bills claimed by the freight forwarders will remain postponed until March 30 next when stakeholders concerned are likely to find a negotiable solution mediated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
It was decided at a meeting organised by the NBR at Chittagong Customs House (CCH) Sunday morning, which was chaired by NBR Member (Customs) Farid Uddin, sources said.
The enhanced service charges claimed by the BAFFA (Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association) faced strong opposition from other stakeholders, mainly the readymade garment (RMG) manufacturers, the largest export earning industrial sector of the country.
The NBR intercepted in the issue asking the freight forwarders to hold up the decision until a negotiable settlement is reached with other stakeholders.
Freight forwarders said they had fixed the highest charge at Tk 3,500 for each consignment from Tk 2,000 in line with international rules relating to the issue.
The BAFFA leaders said they are waiting for the next meeting of the NBR in Dhaka on February 17 which may find a way out. However the issue must be settled within March 30 next.
AM Mahbub Chowdhury, a leader of BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) said they are opposing the hike because it would raise the import cost of fabrics and accessories.
Mr Chowdhury further said neither the UNCTAD rules, nor the Bangladesh freight forwarding rules and ESCAP rules favour their demand for hike in the charges.
"It is like charging extra money from the recipient of a parcel for which the fee has already been paid," he said.
CCH Commissioner Masud Sadik, BAFFA Director Amiyo Shankar Burman, BGMEA's former first vice president Nasiruddin Chowdhury, Director of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Mahfuzul Hoque Shah and General Secretary of Chittagong C&F Agents Association Altaf Hossain Bachchu also spoke on the occasion.