In a bid to address long-standing congestion at Chattogram Port, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a special directive to expedite the clearance, disposal, and auction of stagnant containers.
The order, issued on May 14, aims to improve port efficiency by reducing the backlog of unclaimed cargo, enhancing safety measures, cutting operational costs, and safeguarding state resources.
According to the NBR, thousands of containers dating back as far as January 1, 2013, remain uncleared, significantly hampering port operations. Many of these contain outdated chemicals and hazardous materials, which pose serious security threats, including the risk of explosions.
The standard auction process has struggled to keep pace with the accumulation, hindered by legal disputes, the complexity of controlled goods, and delays by auction winners. The new order introduces streamlined procedures to address these barriers.
Under the new rules—applicable to disposable goods other than vehicles through December 31, 2023—containers may be auctioned off without a reserve price during the first round, barring exceptional cases. If two consecutive auctions fail to attract bidders, goods may be sold at the highest offer received after wider public notification, bypassing a third auction.
Additionally, goods classified as conditional, controlled, or prohibited under import-export regulations—or those too degraded for auction—may be transferred to specialized agencies for neutralization or destruction. Hazardous or chemical products that have expired but are certified as usable may also be sold to authorized buyers.
NBR officials say the directive is designed to speed up port operations, reduce costs for traders, and improve cargo turnover, which in turn could benefit the broader economy.
All port users and stakeholders are expected to gain from the implementation of the new procedures, the revenue authority added.
