Chittagong port new rule

A few days ago, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Office stated in circular that starting from February 10, a container (including 20-foot and 40-foot containers) can carry up to 30.48 tons of goods. But for overweight, CPA will not provide any facilities to handle containers exceeding the weight limit stipulated by ISO. In such cases, the relevant shipping agent/MLO will make the necessary arrangements at their own cost, risk and responsibility and should obtain permission from the CPA prior to the arrival of such containers.

In addition to the limited weight restrictions, Chittagong has also implemented a rule (under the Bangladesh Ship Flag Protection Act 2019 and the recently implemented rules, domestic ships have priority when transporting containers to and from Chittagong port) that has caused foreign container ships that recently called at Chittagong to face lengthy delays before loading and unloading containers at the port. Foreign vessels can only load and unload Bangladesh cargo in the absence of local vessels, or must apply for a certificate of exemption from the Bangladesh Commercial and Maritime Authority 15 days before loading or unloading.

In addition, in December last year, the CPA issued a circular stipulating that less than container cargo (LCL) and full container (FCL) loaded and unloaded at Chittagong port must be packaged with pallet according to appropriate standards, accompanied by shipping marks.

All packages/cartons of goods shall be affixed with appropriate shipping marks which describe details of the product or goods in the box or container and prompt workers to easily identify the type of product to be handled and the precautions that must be taken.

If there are products export to Bangladesh, ,please pay more attention on any change for the rules.