In a move aimed at streamlining cargo flow, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a directive requiring containers unloaded at Chattogram port to be transferred to inland container depots (ICDs) on the same day. If a full consignment cannot be moved immediately, the remaining containers must be shifted the following day.

The new rule also clarifies that handling charges will apply only once the entire consignment is transferred off-dock. In exceptional cases—such as limited capacity at ICDs—the Chittagong Custom House commissioner may authorize dual delivery.

The directive responds to growing concerns from businesses over delays and bottlenecks at private depots. Currently, 65 categories of imported goods are routed through ICDs to reduce congestion at Chattogram, with 19 private facilities managing import, export, and empty container operations.

During a recent meeting, the Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association highlighted infrastructure gaps at ICDs and called for more flexibility, including direct dual delivery from the port. The Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association noted that while four days of free time is typically allowed for container transfers, completing the process within one or two days will be challenging unless port congestion is resolved.