Customs declines responsibility for red-flagged 323 containers released by Govt

Customs declines responsibility for red-flagged 323 containers released by Govt

Daily Mirror Breaking News | 22 January 2025, 12:45 pm

Colombo, January 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Customs Trade Union Alliance (CTUA) today announced that it will not take the responsibility for the goods contained in the 323 containers which were flagged red by the computer system, but cleared and released by the government recently.

Addressing the media, CTUA President Amila Sanjeeva stated that the union will not bear any responsibility if these particular containers are found to contain low-quality medicines rejected by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), cosmetic items deemed unfit for use, illegal cigarettes, other illegal imports, drugs or even weapons.

A total of 323 containers, highlighted under the red label and identified as requiring mandatory examination, were cleared for release without proper inspection.

"The containers marked in red by the computer system were flagged for higher inspection," he said.

Following the decision to release these containers, it was revealed that 80% of them contained goods that required mandatory examination by the Customs.

The Customs Trade Union is now questioning the government on who has the legal authority or under which law such a large number of red-labelled containers were released.

https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Customs-declines-responsibility-for-red-flagged-323-containers-released-by-Govt/108-300679

Customs introduces solution to accelerate container clearance

 Poojathmi Rivithma

14 January 2025 02:11 pm 

Colombo, January 14 (Daily Mirror) - In response to ongoing delays at the Colombo Port, the Sri Lanka Customs has introduced a special programme aimed to accelerate container clearance.

Customs Media Spokesman Seevali Arukgoda said in a release that the programme was launched on the instructions of the President.

A total of 459 containers were cleared, including 242 containers that underwent inspection and were released from the RCT, Greyline 1 and Greyline 2 yards yesterday.

While Customs has the capacity to process around 500 containers daily, a shortage of clearing agents and lorry drivers has led to slower clearance rates, according to authorities.

Meanwhile, 496 containers remained at the port awaiting clearance, despite door permits already being issued. These containers are yet to undergo inspection at the designated yards this morning.

Compounding the situation, an additional 603 containers that had been cleared by Customs are still sitting uncollected at the port.

Accordingly, the lack of collection by importers and their agents is contributing to significant storage challenges and congestion within the port terminals.

To tackle these issues, Sri Lanka Customs, along with other relevant state agencies, is continuing operations today, despite it being a public holiday. 

The ongoing efforts are focused on expediting the container clearance process and alleviating the pressure on storage capacity.

Authorities have stated that the initiative is crucial to reducing the backlog, easing congestion and improving the efficiency of port operations.

https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/Customs-introduces-solution-to-accelerate-container-clearance/108-300068

Sri Lanka Customs to work 24×7 to clear container backlog

Monday January 13, 2025 6:20 am

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Customs has agreed to work 24 hours to clear a backlog of import containers at Colombo Port following discussion with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a statement from his office said.

“To expedite the clearance process, Sri Lanka Customs officers agreed to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the statement said.

Sri Lanka Customs officials were doing more checks on import containers, an official was shown saying on television.

A 5-acre plot would be provided in the Bloemendhal area of the port for storing containers pending investigation. Two acres would be released by January 31 and the balance by February 28.

Container trucks which were idle inside the port, contributing to congestion within the terminals, will be parked in Peliyagoda.

Time taken by regulatory agencies such as the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), the Department of Food Commissioner, and the Plant Quarantine Division were also contributing to delayed clearance.

There were staff shortages in these institutions were a significant factor.

The President directed the relevant authorities to fill these vacancies promptly and to enhance welfare allowances for the officers of these institutions to ensure a more efficient clearance process, the statement said.

Wharf clerks and other private service providers would also have to work 24 hours to clear the containers.

Importers agreed that food-related products must be accompanied by mandatory certificates issued by foreign laboratories following proper testing, and in the event of any violations, appropriate legal action will be taken in accordance with government regulations.

Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake was quotes as saying that the expedited clearance process would continue until June 30 and all stakeholders, including the port, customs, and private service providers, should work together as one unified team. (Colombo/Jan13/2025)