Don’t charge EXIM shipments on container detention: Ministry of shipping

March 31, 2020: Ministry of Shipping has advised the shipping lines not to impose any container detention charges on import and export shipments for the period from March 22, 2020, to April 14, 2020, over and above free time arrangements that are currently agreed and availed as part of any negotiated contractual terms.

“The advisory has been issued in order to maintain proper supply lines at the Indian seaports. During this period, shipping lines have also been advised not to impose any new or additional charge. This decision is a purely one-time measure to deal with present disruptions caused by Covid-19 pandemic,” says the MoS release.

Following the announcement of the lockdown in the country from March 25, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, there has been some disturbance in downstream services, leading to some delay in evacuation of goods from the ports. This has resulted in some cargo owners either suspending their operations or finding it difficult to transport goods/cargo and complete their paperwork, leading to the detention of containers without their fault. The advisory is expected to help in the smooth functioning of trade and maintenance of supply chain in the country.