Ctg port to deliver 16 more products via private depots to ease congestion

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has approved the off-dock/ICD (Inland Container Depot) delivery of 16 additional types of imported products through private inland container depots, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of Chattogram Port and reduce container congestion.

The decision, effective from 17 July, is projected by ICD operators to facilitate the delivery of approximately 70,000 more import containers via these depots annually.

The newly approved products include a diverse range of goods such as milk and cream, coconuts, various fresh or dried nuts, sulphur, carbonates, polymers (including polyethylene and polypropylene), acrylic polymers, amino resins, finishing agents, paper and paperboard, ceramic tiles, and other chemical and industrial items. 

This expansion brings the total number of imported goods permitted for off-dock delivery to 66 categories, up from the previous 50, which included essential food items like rice, wheat, pulses, and mustard seed.

Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary general of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (Bicda), told TBS that the inclusion of these 16 items is expected to increase ICDs' share of import handling from 20% to 25% of the port's total imported cargo. "Currently, 19 private ICDs handle about 3,00,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of imported goods annually. With the addition of these new items, we will be able to increase that number significantly."

Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority, said the NBR's approval was a direct response to a proposal from the port authority, aimed at relocating more import deliveries to ICDs. "This decision will help decongest the port and improve the overall efficiency of cargo handling."

Export operations are already fully reliant on ICDs, with 100% of goods exported through Chattogram Port being stuffed into containers at these off-dock facilities. Additionally, designated imported goods and empty containers are stored and processed at ICDs in accordance with NBR guidelines.

The collective handling capacity of the ICDs is around 1.00,000 TEUs, comprising 10,000 TEUs for imports and 8,000 TEUs for exports during regular operations. Sikder expressed confidence in their ability to manage the additional items, noting that they can handle up to 15,000 TEUs of imported containers when necessary.

Currently, 19 ICDs are operational for both imports and exports, with two additional ICDs – Anchorage and Bay Link – managing empty containers. Anchorage has recently received NBR approval to commence handling imported goods, and the full operation of both new facilities is expected to further boost the depot sector's capacity. Bicda has also confirmed that the AK Khan Group has started constructing another new ICD.

Second move this year

This marks the second such initiative this year. On 8 April, the NBR permitted 12 new products for off-dock delivery, including staple fibre, calcium carbonate, polystyrene, quicklime, fluting paper, unwrought aluminium, and cinnamon.

The move is consistent with recommendations made by a US Coast Guard delegation during its 2017 visit to Chattogram Port. Among the 16 observations regarding port operations, one crucial recommendation was to shift cargo delivery operations away from the port yard to enhance security and operational efficiency under the ISPS Code. While several measures have been implemented since then, a complete relocation of delivery activities remains to be achieved.

Official data shows Chattogram Port handled 3,296,067 TEUs in the 2024-25 fiscal year, consisting of 1,786,212 TEUs of import and 1,509,855 TEUs of export containers.

As part of its broader strategy, the Chattogram Port Authority is working towards transferring all full container load deliveries to ICDs and gradually moving around 10,000 TEUs of auctionable containers to the Off-Dock. A committee, comprising representatives from the port, customs, and ICDs, is being formed to oversee this process.

Md Al Amin, second secretary of the NBR, informed TBS that the decision was based on recommendations from the Chattogram Custom House. Three conditions have been stipulated for the expanded delivery implementation: all containers must be scanned before leaving the port for off-docks; the port authority must ensure the delivery of approved goods to the ICDs; and the Commissioner of the Chattogram Custom House may approve dual delivery (either from the port or ICD) in special circumstances.

Despite the largely positive reception, stakeholders have urged caution. Mahfuzul Haque Shah, a former director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the development but emphasised the need to ensure that the shift does not result in additional costs or delays for importers. "The private depots must have the logistical readiness to handle the extra load efficiently."