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In a bid to enhance operational efficiency and reduce chronic congestion at Chattogram Port, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has approved off-dock delivery of 16 additional imported products via private inland container depots (ICDs), effective from July 17.

This move is expected to significantly boost the capacity of private ICDs, enabling the diversion of approximately 70,000 additional import containers away from the port yard, according to industry estimates.

Expanded List of Off-Dock Items

The newly permitted items include a diverse range of goods such as milk and cream, coconuts, fresh or dried nuts, sulphur, various polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic), amino resins, ceramic tiles, finishing agents, and paperboard products.

With this update, a total of 66 categories of imported goods are now eligible for delivery through ICDs, up from 50 previously. Earlier inclusions covered essential food staples such as rice, wheat, pulses, and mustard seeds.

ICDs’ Import Handling Share to Rise

Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA), said this expansion could raise the ICDs’ share of total import handling from 20% to 25% of Chattogram Port’s annual import volume.

Currently, 19 private ICDs manage around 300,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of imported goods annually. The ICDs collectively have the capacity to handle 100,000 TEUs, with room to expand during peak operations. Another facility by AK Khan Group is also under construction, further enhancing future capacity.

Two new ICDs — Anchorage and Bay Link — are also operational for handling empty containers, with Anchorage recently receiving approval to begin import handling as well.

Strategic Shift Aligned with ISPS Code

The policy aligns with longstanding recommendations from a 2017 US Coast Guard assessment, which advised shifting cargo delivery from port premises to enhance security and efficiency under the ISPS Code. While partial progress has been made, this is a significant step toward achieving full off-dock delivery.

On April 8, the NBR approved 12 other product types for ICD delivery, including staple fibre, calcium carbonate, polystyrene, unwrought aluminium, and quicklime — making this the second major expansion this year.

Operational Framework and Oversight

A joint committee of representatives from Chattogram Port Authority, Customs, and ICD operators is being formed to oversee the transition process. The port authority is also planning to move 10,000 TEUs of auctionable containers to off-docks in phases and eventually shift all full container load (FCL) deliveries to ICDs.

Chattogram Port handled over 3.29 million TEUs in FY 2024–25, including 1.78 million import TEUs and 1.51 million export TEUs, as per official data.

Port Secretary Md. Omar Faruk said the NBR’s approval followed a formal proposal from the Chattogram Port Authority. “This decision will help decongest the port and streamline import operations,” he said.

Regulatory Conditions and Caution

Md. Al Amin, Second Secretary of the NBR, stated that the policy includes three conditions:

1. All containers must be scanned before being transferred from port to ICDs.
2. The port must ensure proper delivery of approved goods to ICDs.
3. The Chattogram Custom House Commissioner can allow dual delivery (port or ICD) under special circumstances.

While the move has been widely welcomed, some have cautioned about potential implementation challenges. Mahfuzul Haque Shah, former director of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged authorities to ensure the shift does not lead to higher costs or delays for importers. “The private depots must be logistically prepared to handle the extra volume efficiently,” he added.