KARACHI: Transshipment of steel coils has been denied by the Collector of Customs, MCC Appraisement East Karachi, although the transshipment permit has already been allowed and about 40 percent of the consignment has already been transported to the port of destination, Dry Port MCC Lahore. As stated by Syed Ahmad Burney, Chairman, All Pakistan Bonded Carrier Association, that the reason for holding the consignment is not justified because the transshipment permission has already been granted by the competent authority absolutely in accordance with Lahore and “we find no justification in holding the balance consignment.”

The bonded carrier is under pressure from the industry as due to delay in transshipment the industrial production is suffering. It is pertinent to point out that on approaching the appropriate officer of Customs, he has informed that an objection has been raised in the said impugned TPs which states that the goods has not been transshipped in containers. That the above objection raise by Customs is absurd and not tenable under the law as the physical position of the consignment is that each coil (unit) weighing between 19-24 tons and under no circumstances that can be stuffed into the containers.

Therefore, holding the consignment with no justification amount to depriving the legitimate right of importers and the purpose of establishing the Dry Ports by the Federal Government to facilitate the trade to their doorsteps is denied. It is strongly protested that the Federal Government should look into the matter realising the seriousness of the issue and allow the transshipment of the balance consignment unnecessary held in the larger interest of justice.—PR