Dhaka: All import and export-oriented products are to come under scanning system at Chittagong port with the aim of building a safe port system with modern technology.
At present, the port of Chittagong only has the facility of testing by scanning devices for imported goods, but it is not available for export.
It is learned that steps have been taken to ensure a full scanning system at Chittagong port under agreements with various international organizations and in view of the long-standing demand of the United States, a major exporting partner.
Stakeholders are of the view that the port needs to be developed as a modern and efficient institution in line with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Safety Code (ISPS), the US Container Initiative (CSI) and the United Nations International Port Security Agency.
Chittagong Port currently has seven scanner machines. Two of them are mobile scanners.
The remaining scanners are installed at five gates. These are basically scanners of imported products. However, Chittagong Customs has been demanding the installation of 12 scanning machines at least 12 gates of the port for a long time.
Chittagong Port Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Shahjahan told that the main purpose of purchasing two scanners by the Chittagong Port Authority was to facilitate the implementation of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS). At the same time, the scanners provided by the port will go one step further in scanning customs export-oriented cargo containers.
Chittagong Customs Commissioner Mohammad Fakhrul Alam told that if he gets four scanners from NBR and two scanners from Chittagong port, he will be able to scan import and export goods in full with 13 scanners of Chittagong Customs.
He opined that this would increase the convenience of customs work and address the long-standing demands of the business community.
