The Chittagong Port Authority issued new regulations for containers

Recently, the Chittagong Port Authority issued new regulations for inbound containers. All imported containers are required to use high security bolt seals as of 1 December to ensure that goods are not damaged or lost upon arrival at the port and shipment to terminals and factories.

The Chittagong Port Authority indicated that unless containers were secured with high security bolt seals, the port might refuse to receive containers and to unload goods at the port terminal.

The Port Authority has noticed that most of the imported containers at Chittagong Port have been secured with original plastic/metal strap seals. These seals are fragile and breakable, putting the cargo in the container at risk of damage or loss, causing great concern and inconvenience to consumers.

“The high security bolt seals are better, convenient and durable. To ensure the safety of container cargo and prevent any possible loss or damage, the Port Authority decided to use high security bolt seals instead of plastic/metal strap seals in imported containers that are full of cargo. ” the Port Authority stated in its notification.

At the same time, the Government has long sought to enforce the use of high security bolt seals for export containers and containers departing from factories to terminals and ports to avoid cargo theft on roads.

It is often said by apparel manufacturers that during the commute between the factory and the port/terminal, criminals open the seals and steal the raw materials/cargo from containers. As a result, they are facing financial losses, and buyers are also disappointed by cargo thefts that damage the image of the country and industry.

Muntasir rubatat, the Operation Executive at GBX Logistics Ltd, stated: “It is a common practice to use high security bolt seals in imported containers. We have issued notices to transhipment ports requesting them to comply with the requirements, and trunk line operators have been notified. ”