In an effort to speed-up the import-export procedure and minimize congestion — which have been a major concern for the Bangladesh garment manufacturers exporting apparel items to India — the Bangladesh Government has reportedly hiked, considerably, the warehouse and open yard space charges for motor vehicles, chassis and related goods at the Benapole land port, claimed media reports.
The Bangladesh Land Port Authority recently issued a gazette notification in this direction.
“The Bangladesh Land Port Authority has increased the charges mainly to reduce congestion at the port and to encourage traders for speedy release of their goods from the warehouse and open yards. Many importers do not release their goods even after completion of the customs procedures taking advantage of the low tariffs. They even sell the products keeping those at the port for many days and take release just after completion of sales of products, particularly car and chassis.” – Tapan Kumar Chakravorty, Chairman, Bangladesh Land Port Authority
It may be mentioned here that Benapole land port is reportedly playing a significant role in recent spurt of exports from Bangladesh to India. As per media reports, goods exported to India through Benapole land port has increased to around 65 per cent year-on-year to Taka 4,040.35 crore in 10 months to October this year while export volume rose by 40 per cent year-on-year to 322,000 tonnes during this period.
As per industry insiders, export of shirts, t-shirts, jeans and trousers for different luxury brands, including Zara, FHM and Raymond, has now started through this port which were earlier sent through air.
Customs Commissioner of Benapole land port Belal Hossain Chowdhury reportedly attributed this spike in exports to improved infrastructure as part of which dedicated bypass road connecting Benapole and Petrapole for faster transport of export goods and digital tax processes have been implemented.