New ICD-based custom house to be established in Chattogram: NBR chairman

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will establish a new customs house in Chattogram based on Inland Container Depot (ICD) operations, with an official order expected in August. 

NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan made the announcement during a meeting with customs officials and stakeholders at the Chattogram Custom House this morning.

He said the existing Chattogram Custom House building will be demolished and replaced by a modern facility. In the interim, operations will be relocated to the World Trade Center in Agrabad for a few years.

The chairman also announced that the NBR plans to phase out the existing Asycuda World customs software, citing its complexity and performance issues.

"The brand value of Asycuda World has declined significantly. Users face repeated disruptions, and these downtimes are no longer tolerable," he said.

To address these issues, the NBR is working to develop new, more advanced technology-based software for customs operations. The chairman added that they are consulting countries that do not use Asycuda World and instead operate with other efficient systems. The new system will be rolled out on a pilot basis at select customs stations and is expected to be fully implemented within two years.

As part of broader modernisation efforts, three major infrastructure projects are being initiated in Chattogram. These include a new building for the Chattogram Custom House, a new building and facility at the Customs Academy, a new tax office in Agrabad.

"Preparations for these buildings have been finalised. Once construction starts, all activities of the current Custom House will temporarily move to the World Trade Center in Agrabad. This will also benefit traders with more centralised services," Khan said.

He added that the upcoming new customs house will be named ICD Custom House Chattogram, focusing on handling containerised cargo operations via ICDs. He said off-dock facilities should be more widely used, aligning with the Chattogram Port Authority's goal of achieving 100% cargo delivery through ICDs.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, we managed full cargo delivery through ICDs. Currently, only 66 types of goods out of about 7,000 HS code products are being delivered through depots. That number must increase," he said.

During the meeting, SM Saiful Alam and Shawkat Ali, president and secretary general of the C&F Agents Association respectively, raised concerns over inadequate ICD capacity. They said although importers are encouraged to take deliveries through ICDs, the facilities lack the necessary infrastructure to handle the volume, causing delays.

In response, the NBR Chairman assured that the issue would be investigated. "If ICDs lack capacity, the owners themselves should state that. We will hold a separate meeting with ICD operators to assess their actual capacity for handling imported goods," he said. Khan also questioned the overdependence on Chattogram Port for imports.

"Do all goods really need to come through Chattogram Port? Mongla and Payra ports are also options now. With improved connectivity – especially after the inauguration of the Padma Bridge – Mongla Port has become much more accessible for the rest of the country," he added.

The NBR Chairman reaffirmed the board's commitment to facilitating trade and ensuring fairness. "Unnecessary harassment of traders will not be tolerated. We want to assist honest traders while taking action against those who evade taxes," he said.

"Our goal is to create a customs environment where traders are respected, not ridiculed," Khan added.

Addressing issues related to port auctions, Khan said 100 officers have been assigned to catalogue auctionable goods. If needed, public announcements will be made in Chattogram city to promote the auctions.

Regarding luxury cars imported by Members of Parliament (MPs), Khan said, "We do not intend to sell these vehicles at low prices. If the auction price is not satisfactory, we are considering alternative ways to utilise them effectively."

NBR members Moazzam Hossain, Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, Mubinul Kabir,  Chattogram Custom House Commissioner Shafi Uddin, and leaders from the Customs Officers and C&F Agents Association were present at the meeting.