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The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has instructed that containers bound for Inland Container Depots (ICDs) must be shifted from Chattogram port on the same day they are unloaded, in a move aimed at easing congestion at the country’s busiest seaport.

According to an NBR circular issued on August 14, if the entire consignment cannot be transferred within the first day, the remaining containers must be moved by the following day. Handling charges will be applied only once a consignment is fully transferred off-dock.

In exceptional cases, such as capacity shortages at ICDs, the commissioner of Chattogram Custom House (CCH) may allow “dual delivery,” the order stated.

The directive comes after repeated complaints from businesses and industrial groups over chronic delays and limited capacity at private depots. Currently, 65 categories of imported goods are directed to ICDs to reduce pressure on the seaport.

During a meeting on July 25, the C&F Agents Association highlighted that while ICDs frequently request approval to handle more cargo, many lack the infrastructure to ensure timely delivery. They also demanded more flexibility, including direct dual delivery from the port.

NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem later assured stakeholders that ICD handling capacity would be reassessed in consultation with depot operators. At present, 19 private ICDs handle imports, exports, and empty containers in Chattogram.

Reacting to the order, Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder said: “After unloading at Chattogram port, we usually get four days of free time to transfer containers. Completing the process in one or two days will be difficult unless there is no congestion at the port.”