New directives of Chittagong port on dangerous cargo

On June 4, a fire broke out in the BM container yard that accommodated 4,000 containers near Chittagong Port and caused a serious accident in which a container containing chemicals exploded, causing more than 40 deaths, more than 300 injuries and economic losses of hundreds of millions of dollars. (View article: 49 Killed, 300 Injured In Bangladesh Port Depot Fire).

HMM: Immediately stop accepting bookings for dangerous goods

A few days ago, HMM issued a notice that the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) announced the tightening of safety regulations for the handling of dangerous goods at ports and terminals due to fires and explosions in the yard. HMM has decided to immediately stop accepting bookings for dangerous goods to any port in Bangladesh until further notice. Dangerous goods categories for unloading or transshipment at Bangladeshi ports include: 2.1/2.2/2.3/3/4.1/5.1/5.2/UNNO.2789.

The notice stated:

1. After completing the documentation procedures, the Bangladesh Customs DG permit should be obtained 24 hours before the unloading of dangerous goods. Dangerous goods should be cleared out of the port area within 72 hours after unloading.

Although it is the responsibility of the consignee, it is important for the consignor to provide the consignee with all necessary documents at the destination in advance so that the consignee can obtain the required permits from the local authorities and clear customs in a timely manner.

If unloading is not approved on time, the cargo will be held on board and returned to the port of origin. Action is required for dangerous goods and perishable products if they are not delivered within the stipulated time.

2. Shippers should follow IMDG regulations for standard packaging and palletizing of dangerous goods.

3. The port of loading shall not load dangerous goods into any damaged containers.

4. All additional costs due to non-compliance, including false positives or non-approvals, will be borne by the shipper.

Dangerous goods must be properly declared and marked. Pick-up within three days after arrival

In view of this accident, the Chittagong Port Authority has issued new port regulations, requiring the corresponding proper shipping name, IMCO, UN# for goods involving dangerous goods, and displaying them in the first five lines of the cargo description. The Chittagong Port Authority has issued several instructions to port users, which include the pickup of dangerous goods containers/cargo within 3 days of arrival.

The Chittagong Port Authority held a meeting with importers and exporters, shipping agents, customs brokers and freight forwarders to announce the following main regulations for dangerous goods:

· The transport of dangerous goods in damaged containers is prohibited.

· And require the importer to confirm customs clearance with Bangladesh Customs 24 hours before the arrival of the goods.

· Properly declare the dangerous goods container on the import cargo master manifest, and mark the dangerous goods cargo with the corresponding label.

· If a dangerous goods container arrives at Chittagong port unmarked, a dangerous goods label must be affixed before unloading at the port yard.

· Dangerous goods outbound shall be standard packed and palletised in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Goods Act 1953 and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations.

· If dangerous goods and perishable products are not picked up in time, they will be auctioned. If necessary, the authorities should conduct on-site bidding to free up space in the port yard.

· Customs authorities must inspect dangerous goods containers as early as possible to ensure fast delivery. If the goods require laboratory testing, the container should be transferred to the importer's site.

The port authority also warned that if any importer brought falsely declared goods into the country, the customs authorities would take "severe measures" including prohibiting the importer from transporting any goods into the country in the future.