LAHORE: Few shipping companies including M/s Maersk Pakistan Pvt Ltd and terminal operator QICT are looting huge amounts from importers by collecting illegal demurrage and detention charges on clearance of import shipments.
This was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry SVP Khawaja Shahzad Nasir while talking to Customs Today. He said that few shipping companies are looting huge amounts from importers by collecting illegal demurrage and detention charges on clearance of import shipments. Collection of unjustified demurrage and detention charges levied from importers of South Punjab has been raised several times but authorities have not taken any action against them.
He said that importers are compelled to pay additional charges through blackmailing for the immediate handling of import shipments and if genuine importers refuse to pay illegal charges then they face unnecessary delay in the clearance of import shipments.
He said importers are suffering heavy losses on daily basis for the clearance of shipments due to unnecessary delay in the release of imported goods which also cause them unfair demurrage and detention charges. He said that importers are also losing their reputation and their valuable customers due to unnecessary delay in the clearance of shipments. Shipping companies are causing delay in the clearance of shipments with involvement of port authorities by slowing down clearance process for the collection of additional demurrage and detention charges.
He expressed that shipping companies are looking for collection of revenue through legal and illegal means in the country. Shipping companies are openly collecting demurrage and detention charges from importers through violation of rules and regulations.
He said that several importers and their clearing agents have raised issue of illegal demurrage and detention charges but the authorities failed to take any serious action against these shipping companies. Shipping companies cannot charge any demurrage and detention charges from importers under SRO 1220(I)/ 2015 where specifically it is not agreed and also specifically not mentioned on the B/L (Bill of lading) but these companies are blackmailing genuine importers to pay excess charges in shape of demurrage and detention charges.
He said collection of unjustified demurrage and detention charges from importers is causing severe unrest in the business community and spoiling business environment.
