Security In Compromising Position

Despite laws, export cargo not protected from theft, smuggling, terrorism

- Saleem Samad

Laws relating to electronic seals for containers to ensure cargo security and avert revenue loss, theft, smuggling, dumping and terrorism under international maritime regulations have not been implemented in face of opposition from trade bodies.

Earlier the government decided to introduce the cargo security system, Electronic Seal and Lock Service (ESLS), for containers transported between the Chittagong Port and 16 inland container depots (ICDs) from November 29 last year. But it had to defer the move due to opposition from the trade bodies, as official sources suggest.

A gazette notification to this effect was published and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) signed an agreement with the US-based Alif Corporation regarding the provision of international standard ESLS services. Earlier, NBR passed “Electronic Seal and Services Policy 2017”.

Despite Bangladesh authorities’ deciding to implement electronic seals for all cargo between production supply chain to seaports, the officials failed to convince the exporter’s bodies, arguing that it would increase costs for shipment and would be time-consuming.