ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Commerce has asked aviation authorities to investigate complaints of additional cargo charges on meat exports, amid concerns the issue could disrupt shipments and hurt competitiveness in global markets.
In a letter dated March 17, the ministry asked the director general of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) in Karachi to examine “unauthorized additional charges” reportedly imposed by cargo handler Gerry’s Dnata on export consignments.
The move follows a complaint by the All Pakistan Meat Exporters and Processors Association (APMEPA), which said the charges were raising costs and affecting exporters’ ability to compete internationally.
Exporters flag cost increase
Exporters said the company recently introduced an additional charge of PKR 50 per kilogram on meat exports and warned that consignments would not be processed unless the payment was made.
Industry representatives estimate the levy amounts to about $180 per ton, significantly increasing costs for exporters operating in competitive global markets.
The Ministry of Commerce noted that the issue had been raised during a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Export of Surplus Food Items to GCC Countries on March 15, where officials were informed that the additional charges had already been withdrawn.
