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Category: Ports and Shipping

  • Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tuesday allowed one-time release of consignment carrying imported goods that were banned by the government on May 19, 2022 and stuck up at ports.

    The country through SRO 598(I)/2022 imposed a ban on import of luxury and non-essential items in order to discourage outflow of dollars and support balance of payment.

    Due to the ban about one thousand containers piled up and resulted in choking the ports. The stakeholders requested the government to allow the release of those consignments as many of the consignments were shipped before May 19, 2022 but lander after the date.

    READ MORE: SBP makes permission mandatory for motor car import

    In this regard the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 allowed one-time release of those consignments carrying banned items and reached on or before June 30, 2022.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary to seek permission for one time release of those consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022 which have reached Pakistan or would reach or their payments.

    In order to resolve the hardship cases, the ECC granted one-time special permission for release of consignments stuck at the ports due to contravention framed under SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022, only for those consignments which have landed at ports or airports in Pakistan on or before June 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s import bill records over $80 bn in 2021/2022

    Ministry of Commerce presented another summary on suspension of import conditions contained in import policy order 2022 with regard to import of timber/wood.

    In view of hardship case of timber importers as the consignments were supplied against contracts months ago and the shipments have already arrived, the ECC decided that date of implementation of Import Policy Order 2022 regarding import of timber and wood falling under HS Codes 4401 to 4409 may be suspended till August 31, 2022 i-e for the bills of Lading issued till August 31, 2022.

    The ECC also approved another summary of Ministry of Commerce to amend paragraph 3(1) of the Import policy Order 2022 to allow import of goods of Afghan origin against Pak Rupee and without the requirement of Electronic Import Form (EIF) for a period of one year, subject to the condition that Afghan exporters will provide a Certificate of Origin issued by Afghan Customs proving that the goods have originated from Afghanistan.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail presided over the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at Finance Division.

    READ MORE: CMOs worry over power outages, 100% cash margin on imports

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister of State for Petroleum Division Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary on urgent advice relating to award of second international wheat tender 2022 opened on 1st July, 2022 for 500,000 MT.

    The ECC considering the lower trend of wheat in the international market approved the lowest bid offer of M/s Cargill Int. PTE /Cargill Agro Foods Pakistan @ US$ 439.40/MT for 110,000 MT +/- 5% MOLSO to the extent of 500,000 MT.

    Ministry of National Food Security & Research submitted a summary on WPF operation- purchase/ reservation of 120,000 metric tons of wheat for Afghanistan in the year 2022-23.

    In view of the situation in Afghanistan and on humanitarian ground, the ECC approved the request of the WFP for purchase/ reservation of 120,000 MT of wheat from the imported wheat stock of PASSCO on the latest import price.

    The amount of supplied wheat along with cost and incidentals would be charged in US dollars. The wheat will be locally grinded into wheat flour and will be supplied to Afghanistan by WFP, subject to relaxation of ban on the export of flour to the extent of the instant proposal of 120,000 MT of wheat.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    Ministry of National Food Security & Research presented another summary on the declaration of “National Disease Emergency” on account of Emergence of Lumpy Skin disease in Pakistan. The ECC after detailed discussion directed Ministry of National Food Security & Research to prepare a cost sharing plan after convening a meeting with concerned provincial secretaries and NDMA.

    Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a summary on continuation of PM’s relief package, 2020, Sasta Atta initiative for KPK & expansion of Utility Stores network across Pakistan.

    The ECC decided to continue subsidy on five essential commodities with direction to M/o I & P to work out feasible proposal on subsidy programme keeping in mind the financial implications.

    The ECC also approved a summary submitted by Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on constitution of Auction Advisory Committee to oversee spectrum auction(s) for next generation mobile services (NGMS) in Pakistan.

    The Committee will be headed by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue. The ECC also approved supplementary grant in favor of Economic Affairs Division amounting to Rs. 193.006 Billion for foreign loan repayments.

  • KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday demanded the government of releasing containers imported goods that were banned through SRO 598(I)/2022.

    The chamber in a statement strongly denounced the non-clearance of containers at the ports subsequent to the ban imposed on luxury items.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands implementation of Riba free banking

    The ban was imposed on 85 categories of luxury items vide SRO 598 (i)/2022 which was issued on May 19, 2022.

    Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala and President KCCI Muhammad Idrees appealed to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Minister of Finance Miftah Ismail to issue orders to immediately release the stuck up containers at the port and waive the demurrage charges to compensate for the losses of the importers.

    READ MORE: KCCI appeals rescuing small traders in Catch-22 situation

    President KCCI Muhammad Idrees claimed that around 800-900 containers which were already booked before the issuance of SRO 598, got stuck at the ports as customs authorities were not clearing them.

    Importers are facing additional hit of hefty demurrages which is causing severe distress among them.

    READ MORE: Energy price hike jolts trade, industry: Businessmen Panel

    It has also caused shortage of several items in the market which needs to be addressed urgently.

    Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala and President KCCI Muhammad Idrees urged immediate resolution of this serious issue.

    READ MORE: Govt. halts gas supply to export industry: APTMA

  • Ship not to be allowed leaving without payment: Zaidi

    Ship not to be allowed leaving without payment: Zaidi

    ISLAMABAD: Ali Haider Zaidi, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs on Sunday said that the standard ship in Karachi would not be allowed to leave without recovering outstanding dues and inspection expenditures.

    Speaking to media here, he said that the ship was stranded and taken off the shores of Karachi.

    This is the first ship to be stranded and taken off. It is law across the world that the company which owns the ship is responsible for its pull out.

    The captain of the ship did not make any emergency call informing that the ship was stranded, he said.

    He said that on the same day when the ship was stranded on the shores of Karachi. Also the engine, radar of ship was weak. Some 100 tons diesel was extracted from the ship.

    Pakistan on Tuesday detained a cargo ship, which was stuck up at Karachi Seaview beach on July 21, 2021.

    The government has taken the decision to detain the ship after an inspection found the vessel in defective condition.

    According to a letter issued by a department of Ministry of Maritime Affairs to the captain of the ship namely HENG TONG 77 was declared unseaworthy.

    Replying to a question, he said that the government has full faith that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will discharge its duties to ensure free and fair Cantonment Election as its mandate under article 218(3) of constitution.

    However he was surprised to receive a show cause notice as he was not in the constituency since elections were announced. The minister said he has submitted his reply to the show cause notice.

    Pakistan detains ship ‘Heng Tong 77’ for unseaworthy
  • Pakistan detains ship ‘Heng Tong 77’ for unseaworthy

    Pakistan detains ship ‘Heng Tong 77’ for unseaworthy

    KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday detained a cargo ship, which was stuck up at Karachi Seaview beach on July 21, 2021.

    The government has taken the decision to detain the ship after an inspection found the vessel in defective condition.

    According to a letter issued by a department of Ministry of Maritime Affairs to the captain of the ship namely HENG TONG 77 was declared unseaworthy.

    “Reference to the inspection of your vessel HENG TONG 77 on July 22, 2021 by the tea of surveyors and subsequent inspections by the surveyors of this department, your ship has been declared ‘unseaworthy’ under the power conferred by section 391 of the Pakistan Merchant Ordinance, 2001,” according to the letter issued by Mercantile Marine Department, Karachi.

    It further said the ship ‘HENG TONG 77’ has been detained under the power conferred by Section 394 of Pakistan Merchant Ordinance, 2001 due to defective condition of the hull, navigational equipment and machinery, which may cause danger to human life on board ship and property.

    The authority said the ship would be released after the satisfactory report of the surveyor of the department, “therefore you are advised to stay at mooring/berth in the port or suitable shelter water after refloating and arrange repair/maintenance of the hull and equipment.”

    Panama registered M.V. Heng Tong 77 was anchored in Pakistan’s waters off Karachi for a crew change on July 21 when it lost anchors due to rough seas and drifted towards the shore.

    Container carrying 39MT sugar sinks at Karachi Port
  • Karachi Port confirms sinking of sugar cargo container

    Karachi Port confirms sinking of sugar cargo container

    KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has confirmed the sinking of a container laden with sugar through a statement released few moments ago.

    It is stated: “Truck loaded with sugar cargo while leaving berth number 5, East Wharf, after issuance of bilty encountered mechanical failure at around 5:20 pm today [Saturday], dated: 31.07.2021, fell in port channel.

    “Driver is safe and no casualty / injury reported. Efforts are underway to recover the truck. The incident is under investigation.”

    According to the sources, the container fell into the sea while handling by a trawler at berth No. 5 West Wharf of Karachi Port, sources said.

    It is believed that the container, which fell into the sea, had carried around 39 metric tons of sugar about 780 bags of 50 kilograms. The sugar was imported by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to provide the commodity at affordable prices in the country .

    The sources said that the breaks of the trawler suddenly failed and lost control. However, driver of the trawler was safe in the incident.

    The monetary loss due to the incident was not ascertained at the time of filing this report but sources said that a ship MV Unity brought 33,000 metric tons of sugar from Dubai on July 27, 2021.

    It was second incident within the jurisdiction of Karachi Port in ten days.

    During Eid holidays a cargo ship was stuck up at sea view Karachi. This ship has not been rescued so far.

  • Container carrying 39MT sugar sinks at Karachi Port

    Container carrying 39MT sugar sinks at Karachi Port

    KARACHI: A container carrying around 39 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar fell into the sea from a ship berthed at the Karachi Port on Saturday evening.

    The container fell into the sea while handling by a trawler at berth No. 5 West Wharf of Karachi Port, sources said.

    It is believed that the container, which fell into the sea, had carried around 39 metric tons of sugar about 780 bags of 50 kilograms. The sugar was imported by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to provide the commodity at affordable prices in the country .

    The sources said that the breaks of the trawler suddenly failed and lost control. However, driver of the trawler was safe in the incident.

    The monetary loss due to the incident was not ascertained at the time of filing this report but sources said that a ship MV Unity brought 33,000 metric tons of sugar from Dubai on July 27, 2021.

    It was second incident within the jurisdiction of Karachi Port in ten days.

    During Eid holidays a cargo ship was stuck up at sea view Karachi. This ship has not been rescued so far.

  • Banks may accept container detention, demurrage charges

    Banks may accept container detention, demurrage charges

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued draft amendment to Foreign Exchange Manual under which banks may be allowed to accept container detention charges and demurrage charges in order to facilitate trade in payments.

    The SBP issued the draft amendments and invite stakeholders’ comments before finalizing the foreign exchange manual.

    According to the draft amendments made to 14 chapter:

    4A –Remittances of Container Detention Charges by Foreign Shipping Companies

    i. Authorized Dealers may accept container detention charges (CDC) directly from the customers of shipping companies/ agents (having valid shipping/agency license as stated under Para 1 (iv) ibid and valid agency agreement) in a separate PKR account opened for this purpose only. No other deposits whatsoever shall be made in such accounts by ADs.

    ii. Authorized Dealers may allow monthly remittance of CDC (net of disbursements, refunds, and income tax paid/payable) of up to USD 50,000/- on Form-M to foreign principals of those foreign shipping companies/agents which are collected in the above mentioned accounts on submission of application along with the following documents: –

    a. Applicable Tariff Rate Sheet;

    b. Summary of Detention Charges along with copy of invoices

    c. F.P Shipment & Breakdown of Disbursement

    d. Copiesy of Tax payment Rreceipt, agency agreement, valid customs shipping agent license.

    e. Auditors’ certificate from QCR rated audit firm confirming payment of income tax, genuineness of transactions and no duplication of payments (only for remittance beyond foreign exchange equivalent to PKR 1 Million or equivalent/-)

    f. Any CDC invoice involving detention charges above 100 days will require valid justification along with documentary evidence.

    g. An undertaking to repatriate back to Pakistan, the amount found by the State Bank, on post-facto checking, to have been remitted in excess of the entitlement.

    h. In case of Transit Trade, PRC evidencing receipt of equivalent PKR from the final destination country.

    Applications for monthly remittances beyond USD 50,000/- shall be forwarded to FEOD as per prescribed format along with relevant documents for approval.

    4B – Remittances of Demurrage Charges

    Authorized Dealers may allow monthly remittance of demurrage charges (net of allowed lay time and other deductions-if any, and income tax paid/payable) upto USD 50,0000 on Form-M to the Owner/Operator/Commercial Operator of vessels/ships/tankers on submission of application along with the following documents: –

    a. Valid charter party agreement (if applicable),

    b. Copy of the Invoice/ debit note

    c. Lay time calculation time sheet verified from third party

    d. Port statement of fact

    e. Copy of B/L, GD, Bill of Entry.

    f. Proceeds Realization Certificate (PRC) for port disbursement charges

    g. F.P Shipment & Breakdown of Disbursement

    h. An undertaking to repatriate back to Pakistan, the amount found by the State Bank, on post-facto checking, to have been remitted in excess of the entitlement.

    Applications for remittances beyond USD 50,000/- shall be forwarded to FEOD as per prescribed format along with relevant documents for approval.

    4C – Remittances of Surplus Port Disbursement Funds by Foreign Shipping Companies

    Authorized Dealer may allow remittance of surplus amount of port disbursement funds held by local offices of shipping companies/ agents back to their principals on Form-M, subject to valid Agency agreement/authorization letter and shipping license, after the payment of port dues/charges and duly reported on the F.P. Statement upon submission of application along with the following documents: –

    a. Customs & Port Charges Clearance with invoices

    b. Proceed Realization Certificate in Original

    c. Copy of Swift Message

    d. Copy of Schedule J/O-3

    e. F.P Shipment & Breakdown of Disbursement

    4D – Disbursement of Cash to Master of Ship arriving at Pakistani Ports

    Authorized Dealer may disburse cash to master of ship arriving in Pakistan out of remittance received by them from owner of the ship/ shipping lined abroad on submission of application along with the following documents: –

    a. Copy of Passport of the Master of the Vessel

    b. Copy of Crew List containing their names, passport numbers, country etc.

    c. Proceed Realization Certificate in Original

    d. Copy of Swift Message for amount realized

    Authorized Dealers will retain all the documents mentioned in Para 4 and its subparagraphs along with Form ‘M’ submitted by foreign shipping companies/ agents. The original Form ‘M’ shall be submitted as usual through schedule E-4 while reporting the transaction in the monthly Foreign Exchange Returns

    Any irregularity detected and advised by the State Bank shall be rectified by the concerned shipping company/agent within ninety days or the amount under objection will be repatriated or adjusted from subsequent remittance, as applicable.

    Authorized Dealers shall also ensure proper due diligence of the above mentioned remittances from AML/CFT and foreign exchange risk perspective through Compliance or Risk Management Department including but not limited to particulars of remitter/ beneficiary and shall determine the ultimate beneficial ownership/ relationship between entities.

  • Customs Rules tightened for International Transshipment

    Customs Rules tightened for International Transshipment

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has tightened the monitoring of international transshipment of imported cargo from gateway port to a foreign port.

    The FBR issued SRO 03(I)/2021 to amend Customs Rules, 2001.

    The FBR amend Rule 510A regarding transshipment of imported cargo from gateway port to a foreign port and made it mandatory the weight, seal number and container number for  international transshipment cargo.

    The following procedure has been prescribed for the movement of the International Transshipment cargo other than LCL cargo through any sea port in Pakistan, which shall be distinctly manifested as such in the IGM or carrier declaration uploaded electronically in the Customs Computerized System by the shipping line (VOCCs/NVOCCs) having valid shipping agent licenses. Such manifest shall necessarily include the following information, namely:

    (a) Port of loading;

    (b) Via port (name of the transshipment port of Pakistan);

    (c) Port of destination (final port of discharge at foreign destination);

    (d) Bill of lading (B/L) No.;

    (e) Name of foreign exporter;

    (f) Name of foreign importer;

    (g) Weight;

    (h) Seal No.; and

    (i) Container No.

    The FBR made amendment to rule 510B and stated that the Terminal Operator (TO) after unloading shall store International Transshipment containers at a place earmarked for them in the notified premises of a seaport. Further, a complete trail of IT containers including the time, location where they are placed and subsequent movements shall be electronically reported and updated in the Customs Computerized System by the Terminal Operator so that the location of the said containers is traceable at any given point in time.

    Further, the terminal operator shall deploy enough manpower to verify the shipper seals against the manifested seals and in case, a container is found without seal or with a different seal or any broken seal, such container shall be re-sealed and immediately released with the Customs seal in the presence of the custodian and same shall be recorded. The new seal number will be entered into the system before stacking of the container.

    Rule 510D regarding delay in clearance of transshipment goods has been substituted. Following is the text of the substituted rule:

    (1) The International Transshipment goods shall not be subject to payment of import or export duties and taxes provided the activities are in conformity with these rules.

    (2) If the goods stores for transshipment are not transshipment within thirty days of their arrival, a notice shall be sent to the shipping line or its agent on the address given in the shipping documents for transshipment of goods from the port. An extension of up to thirty days may be granted for the storage of such goods once a written request mentioning the reasons for delay in removal of goods in submitted to the concerned assistant collector of customs and such a request is approved by him.

    (3) If goods still remain on the port after sixty days of their arrival, the shipping line shall be responsible to remove them immediately unless the delay is attributed to the port authorities. The goods shall only be allowed for auction or destruction by approval of the concerned collector of customs who shall only allow in extraordinary conditions where the shipping line shows its complete inability to ship them out. The said reasons shall be recorded in writing.

    (4) In case of any hazardous material left at the port, the concerned shipping line shall have the responsibility to take the cargo back to the port of origin.

    The Rule 510E has also be amended and substituted the following text:

    “Execution of bond by shipping line: Shipping lines engaged in the business of international transshipment of containers and bulk cargo shall execute an indemnity bond for ensuring to follow customs rules and regulations.”

  • Transit trade activity starts at Gwadar Port

    Transit trade activity starts at Gwadar Port

    ISLAMABAD: A first carrier containing 200 tons of fish from international waters arrived at Gwadar. The fish will be shipped to China in reefer containers, said Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday.

    According to the FBR statement the arrival of the container at the Gwadar Port will open a new era of prosperity and growth for the people of Baluchistan and the economy of the country.

    This has been made possible under the directions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to kick start operations at the Gwadar Port.

    Pakistan Customs is all geared up to realize the vision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan for transforming Gwadar into an International Transit trade Hub and facilitate trade through Gwadar Port.

    FBR has already notified International Transshipment Rules vide SRO 218(I)/2020 dated 10.03.2020. A dedicated Directorate of Transit Trade has also been established at Gwadar to work closely with the stakeholders and transform Gwadar into a Transit trade hub.

    As a result of this proactive approach and support of all stakeholders, in the coming days, more vessels containing international cargo including LPG, Steel Pipes, DAP fertilizer for transit to Afghanistan is scheduled to arrive at Gwadar Port.

    This reflects the confidence of the international business community and shipping lines in the economic potential of the Port and excellent trade facilitation measures put in place by Pakistan Customs.

    Gwadar is the future of Pakistan and will help the country in earning much needed foreign exchange in the future.

    During the recent visit of a high level Pakistani delegation to Afghanistan led by Advisor on Commerce, the Afghan businessmen have shown interest in making investment for trade through Gwadar Port.

  • Pak-Qater signs deal to provide online Takaful services to HashMove clients

    Pak-Qater signs deal to provide online Takaful services to HashMove clients

    KARACHI: Pak-Qatar General Takaful (PQGTL) has signed a MoU with HashMove (a global multi-modal logistics platform) to provide online Takaful coverage for cargo (Sea/Air/Warehousing & Land) for businesses in Pakistan.

    The purpose of this agreement is to enter into a strategic collaboration, enabling marine and fire Takaful service for sea/air and land cargo and commodities trading via digital mediums allowing corporates, businesses, customers of HashMove logistic platform such as importers, of freight forwarders, customers of ground transportation, customers of warehousing companies within Pakistan.

    This is the first time a Takaful Insurance company provides the digital coverage to the logistics businesses allowing them to conduct their export and import with full coverage. The companies aim to achieve at target of issuing at least 1000+ coverage / year to begin with.

    Talking at the occasion, CEO of Pak-Qatar General Takaful, Muhammad Nasir Ali Syed said: “The need of marine coverage by Takaful through digital channel will open a new door for the businesses to grow at a much faster rate with convenience at fingertips.

    “This is the need of the hour and my team is fully committed to extend cooperation and support where needed. Pak-Qatar Takaful has always maintained the position of a leader and firmly believes in offering innovative products through interesting projects and this time we are very excited to offer coverage through our business partner HashMove.”

    Sarfaraz Alam, CEO HashMove stated; “Pak-Qatar General Takaful is the leading Takaful coverage provider in Pakistan and a trustworthy name for settling claims against losses.

    “We are glad that our customers within Pakistan & South Asia will be able to avail Takaful coverage on real time basis. This is the one of the biggest milestones in the logistics industry in Pakistan and we have witnessed upward growth since last 2 years.”