Export container handling fees raised up to 44% at Ctg ICDs
Effective from 1 September, the new tariff rates will see a 36% to 44% increase in export cargo handling charges compared to existing rates, according to a Bicda circular issued on 15 July outlining the new rate structure.
The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (Bicda) has announced a significant hike in export and empty container handling charges at private inland container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram.
Effective from 1 September, the new tariff rates will see a 36% to 44% increase in export cargo handling charges compared to existing rates, according to a Bicda circular issued on 15 July outlining the new rate structure.
Additionally, the handling charges for empty containers will rise by up to 31.8%, although charges for import container handling will remain unchanged.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Under the revised rates, the handling charge for a 20-foot export container will increase from Tk6,187 to Tk9,900. For 40-foot and 40-foot high-cube containers, charges will jump from Tk8,250 to Tk13,200.
A new separate charge of Tk14,900 has been introduced for 40-foot high-cube or 45-foot containers, which previously shared the same rate as 40-foot containers.
Ground rent has also been revised as Tk150 for 20-foot containers, Tk300 for 40-foot and larger containers. Besides, landing charge per tonne has been set at Tk270, documentation fee at Tk450, and lift-on/lift-off charge Tk750.
The transportation fee for empty containers has also gone up from Tk1,705 to Tk 2,500 for 20-foot containers and from Tk3,410 to Tk4,000 for 40-foot high-cube containers.
The revision was necessary due to increased labor and equipment costs, maintenance expenses, devaluation of the Bangladeshi taka against the US dollar, rising bank interest rates, and overall inflationary pressures, said the Bicda circular signed by its Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder.
The circular also noted that while port and freight charges are often paid in US dollars, ICD charges are still collected in local currency, making it difficult for depot operators to cope with mounting costs.
However, the new rates have meanwhile sparked concern among exporters, especially from the garment sector, which relies heavily on private ICDs for cargo handling.
Currently, 19 ICDs are in operation for both imports and exports, while two additional ICDs are managing empty containers.
