In the wake of the situation arising due to coronavirus outbreak, all shipping companies asked by India on Sunday not to collect any detention charges on export-import (EXIM) cargo. The move aims to facilitate unhindered cargo movement and maintain proper supply lines at seaports.
Until April 14, 2020, any container detainment charges on import and export shipments are not allowed to be imposed by the shipping companies. Due to disturbance in the downstream services, delays were reported in the evacuation of goods from ports before the decision made by the government.
Shipping lines are also suggested not to impose any new or additional charge from March 22 to April 14. To deal with the present disruptions caused by the spread of coronavirus, the decision is purely a one-time measure.
Some cargo owners have suspended their operations due to delays in the evacuation of cargo. They are also finding it difficult to complete the paperwork or transport goods.
For a period of 21 days till April 14, a complete lockdown has been imposed by the government in the country in the wake of the outbreak of deadly coronavirus. Approximately 61 percent of India’s total cargo traffic handled by 12 major ports in the country.
