Customs authorities have made the scanning of 38 goods imported from India mandatory at the Benapole Land Port.
Benapole port Customs Commissioner Md Belal Hossain Chowdhury made the announcement in a letter issued on Thursday, the port’s Director (Traffic) Aminul Islam said.
According to the letter, he said, the company importing the goods will also have to pay a specific charge during the scanning.
The authorities, however, are yet to issue the list of 38 goods that would have to go through mandatory scanning upon arrival at the port.
Officials said the list would be released within a day or two.
The commissioner also ordered the sending of the letter to all port, customs and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents’ offices on Friday.
Sources in customs and at the port have said that the scanning of goods will prevent smuggling, irregularities and attempts to evade taxes by making false declarations.
Benapole C&F Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said urgent raw materials for most industrial factories were imported through this port. “The traders also want scanning of goods to be introduced here, but they are also afraid that this initiative may decelerate their business.”
