20000317

Inter-wharf container

movement restricted

MUZAFFAR QURESHI

KARACHI: The Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement) has restricted the movement of containers between the two wharves at the Karachi Port and will allow only henceforth those shipping agents, who are bona fide plot holders at any of the two wharves, to move FCL (Full Container Load) containerised cargo.

The Collectorate in a new procedure for inter-Wharf movement of containers has authorised Pak. Shaheen and other Off-dock Container Freight Stations (CFS) or altnernatively their stevedores, who hold the plot/terminals at any of the two KPT wharves, for such movement.

cargo in transit to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs) will not be allowed inter-wharf movement. However, FCL containers stuffed with Afghan cargo discharged from ships berthing at East/West Wharf may be allowed to be moved under Customs escort to the Container Train terminal at East/West wharves.

The FCL container stuffed with cargo destined for Dry Ports under Transshipment Permit (TP) will not be allowed inter wharf movement. However, such cargo will be allowed to be moved to train terminal at East/West Wharves under Customs escort.

The new rules provide that the movement of FCL containerised cargo shall only be allowed through Gate No. 1 at East Wharf and Lloyds Gate at West Wharf, under Customs escort.

Some types of containers whose movement is restricted between the wharves are: open top and flat bed containers; containers Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo of different destinations; containers with broken seal.

Movement of containerised cargo between wharves and Pak. Shaheen and other CFS will be allowed between 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on working days, except in emergencies and that too after obtaining special permission from the concerned Additional Collector of Customs. The maximum time allowed for a container to reach from exit gate of wharves to entry gate at wharves/Pak. Shaheen is two hours except under circumstances of force majeure.

In case the seals on containers are found broken/tampered with either after the despatch or at the time of receipt, the respective containers shall be examined 100 percent by the Customs in the presence of KPT or the relevant custodian of the cargo and a representative of shipping agent inside the entry gate. An inventory of goods contained in such containers will be prepared which shall be taken into consideration at the time of processing/examination.

The procedure provides that a revolving undertaking in the prescribed form shall be furnished to the Assistant Collector concerned along with the application for the inter-wharf movement, on a stamp paper of Rs. 500 binding the shipping agent to pay the whole amount of duty/taxes, fine and penalty, if any, involved on the cargo intended to be removed in case of any eventuality like damage, pilferage, theft, fire, accident causing loss to the government revenue.