Delay in licence renewal hampers shipping agents' business
Friday, 28 August 2009
Jasim Uddin Haroon
The country's shipping agents are facing problems in doing their business over the past few months as the customs authority has stopped renewal of licences mainly due to absence of a licensing board.
Applications for renewal of licence numbering around 150 remained shelved since October last at the Chittagong Customs House (CCH).
Bangladesh has around 310 shipping agents, who are responsible for shipment of export and import cargoes. Besides, around 15 feeder operators are in operation for handling container cargoes.
As a result, the shipping agents are facing difficulties in transferring freight charges and receiving commission to and from their principals. In many cases, the remittances on both sides remain idle for long.
"We've been asking to the customs authority for long to take move to renew our licences submitted in October in 2008, but they are yet to take any concrete steps in this connection," Ahsanul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) told the FE Wednesday.
Usually, the customs authority invites application for renewal of licence during October each year and finishes it within December.
The shipping agents submit their renewed licenses to the Bangladesh Bank subsequently for getting permission relating to sending of remittances under the Bangladesh Bank act 18(A).
Shipping agents get commission 5.0 per cent of freight for export bound cargoes and while 2.5 per cent for import cargoes.
Sources at the CCH told the FE it had failed mainly because of lack of officials for formation of licensing board. They, however, hinted that a board will be formed shortly to solve the crisis.
Md Rafique, managing director of SS Shipping, told the FE: "We are in an awkward position as my principal is pressing hard to send remittances."
He also said shipment of containers and break bulk consignments is being hampered.
Shipping agents pay only Tk 600 as renewal fee of licences every two years.
The country's shipping agents are facing problems in doing their business over the past few months as the customs authority has stopped renewal of licences mainly due to absence of a licensing board.
Applications for renewal of licence numbering around 150 remained shelved since October last at the Chittagong Customs House (CCH).
Bangladesh has around 310 shipping agents, who are responsible for shipment of export and import cargoes. Besides, around 15 feeder operators are in operation for handling container cargoes.
As a result, the shipping agents are facing difficulties in transferring freight charges and receiving commission to and from their principals. In many cases, the remittances on both sides remain idle for long.
"We've been asking to the customs authority for long to take move to renew our licences submitted in October in 2008, but they are yet to take any concrete steps in this connection," Ahsanul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) told the FE Wednesday.
Usually, the customs authority invites application for renewal of licence during October each year and finishes it within December.
The shipping agents submit their renewed licenses to the Bangladesh Bank subsequently for getting permission relating to sending of remittances under the Bangladesh Bank act 18(A).
Shipping agents get commission 5.0 per cent of freight for export bound cargoes and while 2.5 per cent for import cargoes.
Sources at the CCH told the FE it had failed mainly because of lack of officials for formation of licensing board. They, however, hinted that a board will be formed shortly to solve the crisis.
Md Rafique, managing director of SS Shipping, told the FE: "We are in an awkward position as my principal is pressing hard to send remittances."
He also said shipment of containers and break bulk consignments is being hampered.
Shipping agents pay only Tk 600 as renewal fee of licences every two years.