Chittagong Port Faces Severe Delays After Customs System Failure

26 Sep Chittagong Port Faces Severe Delays After Customs System Failure

Movements in and out of Chittagong Port have been hit with severe delays following a software malfunction in the customs system, causing widespread disruption to trade.

The recent software update led to a system crash that has prevented customs officials and agents from accessing and submitting crucial data, bringing much of the port’s operations to a standstill. Syed Mohammad Arif, chair of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association, expressed concern over the delays, stating, “Without completing customs formalities, no one is able to take delivery of containerised or bulk cargo.”

As a result, ships are forming queues at the port’s outer anchorage while awaiting customs document approvals. Six vessels were reported at anchorage this morning, and 11 were loading and unloading at port jetties. Daily import bill submissions have dropped significantly, from the average 2,000 to around 1,200, creating a backlog of approximately 5,000 import bills.

The situation could worsen if customs agents follow through on a threat to halt work if the technical issue persists. Importers are already facing demurrage costs, and factories in Bangladesh are running short on stock due to the delays.

Mr. Arif has requested an urgent meeting with the customs commissioner to seek an immediate solution and push for the creation of a back-up server to avoid future emergencies.

This issue follows further disruptions at Dhaka Airport, where failures of explosive detection scanners have stranded 250 tonnes of cargo.