For the first time, two sets of fixed scanners have been introduced at Chittagong Port for export-oriented containers to check false declarations, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The port authorities would only scan import containers and allow their discharge from the port following a series of procedures. There was no chance to scan the export-oriented products at the port before. Export containers would be directly loaded onto vessels without any scanning.
The two scanners were installed at Gate No. 4 and the Chittagong Port Access Road (CPAR) gate of the country’s main seaport on Saturday at a cost of Tk86 crore. The scanners are capable of scanning 150 export containers per hour.
The scanners are equipped with radioactive portal monitors, according to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
Under the project, two sets of radioactive portal monitors in FS 6000 mode, scanned image monitoring centres, real-time CCTV, and image monitoring systems have been set up at the two gates.
As a result, through effective enforcement and voluntary compliance in cargo exports, it will be possible to prevent interference in the existing cargo testing system.
Through the development, the CPA said, the port moved another step ahead in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, a set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities globally.
The move will greatly help stop false declarations by unscrupulous businessmen, tax evasion through over- or under-invoicing, and money laundering.
It will play an effective role in checking the embezzlement of export incentives as declared by the government.
For the current fiscal year, the government is giving cash incentives against exports of products under 43 categories.
The inauguration
While addressing the scanner launching event at the port’s Gate No. 4, officially known as the General Cargo Berth or GCB-4 gate, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said the port was being upgraded in line with global standards by installing state-of-the-art security and other necessary equipment.
“The two fixed scanners will help expedite export and shipping activities. It will also reduce container congestion at the port,” he said.
“Checking the export of illegal and risky goods, the two scanners will help meet the demand placed by the international maritime port security organizations and the country’s major export partners,” Khalid said.
Mentioning the facilities provided by the scanners, the state minister said transit and transshipment in transporting goods to neighbouring countries will increase due to the scanners, hoping that it will play a pivotal role in the improvement of the country's economy.
Scanning at the port
There are 12 gates at the port, with only three used for export activities.
However, on special occasions, the gates for both export and import are randomly used.
Of the nine gates meant to carry in and out import goods, seven have a scanner each.
Apart from the two gates for export activities, there is another export-oriented entrance: the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT-2) gate. The third gate lacks a scanner.
Of the scanning project
Officials linked to the project to install the scanners said the initiative for those was taken in 2019 upon instructions from the prime minister.
The project was cleared by Ecnec in 2021, and the Shipping Ministry approved the Development Project Proposal the next year, with the primary costs set at Tk89.33 crore.
Later on, an agreement was signed to purchase the two scanners for Tk85.89 crore.
What does the CPA say?
Officials of the CPA said the scanners will also automatically ensure security and reduce commercial expenses while facilitating multi-agency monitoring involving the CPA, the National Board of Revenue, and the Custom House, Chittagong.
Lt Col Mostafa Arif-ur Rahman Khan told Bangla Tribune that the authorities will also install a scanner at the CCT-2 gate soon.
“Besides detecting consignments of risky goods, the scanners at BCG-4 and CPAR gates will check whether or not illegal containers are being exported and taxes are evaded,” he added.
