The garment manufacturers and exporters of Bangladesh have sought intervention of the Government in view of the 22 per cent hike in different container handling charges raised by private inland container depots (ICDs) recently while underlining that it would increase their cost and impact exports adversely at a time when the sector is undergoing a challenging time.
As per the new rates that came into effect this Wednesday, for a 20-feet export container the package (stuffing) costs have increased to Taka 4,390 from Taka 3,600 and the ground rent has gone up from Taka 100/day to Taka 125/day.
Meanwhile, the landing charges have risen to Taka 220 from Taka 180 per tonne and CFS storage charges after 7 days have increased to Taka 30 from Taka 25 and the per container VGM charge to Taka 1,220 from Taka 1,000.
For a 20-feet empty export container, the charges for per day ground rent, lift on/off, documentation charges and one-way transportation/haulage have increased by Taka 22, Taka 66, Taka 52 and Taka 220, respectively.
Keeping the increased charges in consideration, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in a letter to the shipping ministry on 31 December sought necessary measures to the effect that the private ICDs/off-dock operators cannot collect the enhanced charges without the ministry’s approval.
