KARACHI, May 17: The Ministry of Ports and Shipping has warned customs-approved freight forwarders and shipping companies against causing long delays in the delivery of imported cargo and recovery of unauthorised charges under the garb of miscellaneous charges from importers.

The ministry in a memorandum to the freight forwarders and shipping companies has further stated: “the consolidators (freight forwarders) in violation of State Bank rules are crossing their limits and are indulging in unfair trade practices in connivance with shipping companies.”

Drawing the attention of consolidators and shipping companies towards the complaint lodged by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Directorate General, Technical Wing has stated that the ministry confirms deviations is being made by consolidators from the set rules of the Customs and the State Bank.

It further stated that consolidators are violating the rules by holding into FCL (full container load) cargo, playing with title of goods of exporters and unauthorized delivery of goods to importers. The memorandum further pointed out that the ministry had itself received same complaints from various quarters. “This directorate had in the past made efforts to bring these institutions under the regulatory regime by creating Shipping Rates Advisory Board (SRA), but vested interest went to the court of law and litigations are in progress.”

The technical wing of the ministry of ports and shipping warned the consolidators (freight forwarders) to adhere to the State Bank of Pakistan and Customs rules. It asked the freight forwarders to ensure security and title of goods of Pakistani exporters and that shipping companies must be responsible from receipt of goods to delivery of goods.

The ministry also directed that consolidation of LCL cargo should lonely be done by customs licensed clearing and forwarding agents with no authority to issue Bill of Lading. The B/L must be only one for every cargo loaded on vessel issued by carrier shipping line or agent.

It also warned that quick regulatory action would be taken against violators of rules, and audit monitoring of issuance of Bill of Lading with the coordination of State Bank and customs would be carried out. The ministry feels that by adopting and following the set rules the chances of unfair trade practice will be minimized.

Clarification: Meanwhile, the Collectorate of Customs (Preventive), Karachi has clarified that the office of the Collector (Preventive) is not the appropriate forum for seeking redressal of grievances of exporters against the alleged malpractices of freight forwarders as they are not the licensees of Pakistan Customs Preventive Collectorate.

It went on to say that the Collectorate, however, is in contact with all the stakeholders to arrive at an amicable resolution of the genuine concerns of the valued exporters and importers regarding the conduct of certain freight forwarders.