Photo : Messenger
Country's largest land port Benapole Customs House has experienced a significant downturn in import trade due to stringent regulations, the imposition of additional duties, and reported harassment by customs authorities.
Consequently, there has been a substantial collapse in revenue collection – thereby with a staggering deficit of Tk 313 crore recorded over the past four months.
This decline, persisting for a long time now, has not spurred any decisive action by the relevant authorities.
Traders, however, lament that customs officials have become more stringent, leading to financial losses and vexatious alterations in Harmonized System (HS) codes – thereby prompting traders to divert their business to other ports instead of Benapole Land Port.
Sources indicate that irregularities and misconduct by certain officials have hindered government revenue, causing substantial losses for businessmen.
If traders were assured of fair treatment, it could potentially revitalise trade at the port. In a fit of frustration, businessmen highlighted instances where customs authorities, seemingly focused solely on government interests, neglected to grant any exemptions to traders, further exacerbating the situation. Furthermore, the import of high-duty goods through Benapole port has been completely halted.
Customs authorities attribute the revenue shortfall to their strict measures against duty evasion but claim to be diligently striving to enhance legitimate benefits for traders.
Benapole Land Port, which once saw a bustling trade in motor parts, fabrics, iron, steel, automobiles, and fruits, now witnesses a stark decline in these imports, resulting in a considerable reduction in government revenue.
The imposition of additional duties on highly perishable products like fish and flowers has discouraged imports, causing a decline in revenue. For instance, the duty on apples has surged from Tk 61.65 to Tk 89.22 in the current financial year, leading to reduced imports of these goods.
Reports indicate that the revenue collection target for the ongoing financial year stands at Tk 6,238 crore. However, in the last four months, only Tk 1,751 crore was collected against a target of Tk 1,992 crore, resulting in a substantial deficit of Tk 313 crore.
Jewel Rana, a C&F trader, highlighted the predicament faced by importers dealing with highly perishable products from Nashik, India. Delays in shipment lead to fruit spoilage, yet customs demand duty payments for the rotten fruits, further dissuading importers from using Benapole Port.
Mofizur Rahman, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh C&F Agents Association and the Benapole C&F Association, identified excessive harassment at the customs house as the primary reason behind the revenue collapse. Even with accurate document submissions, traders encounter complications related to HS codes, valuation, and product testing, leading to avoidable liabilities and revenue shortfalls.
Md. Shafayet Hossain, joint commissioner of Benapole Customs House, acknowledged the revenue decline, particularly from high-duty product imports, resulting in a significant deficit across various sectors like automobile, motor parts, apple, and fabric imports. He affirmed the authorities' commitment to rectify the situation by enhancing benefits for legitimate traders.
Messenger/Disha
