C T Online Desk: Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has introduced an Electronic Delivery Order (EDO) system for the delivery of imported goods, making the whole process faster and hassle-free.
After paying tariff on imported items, importers can avail EDO from shipping agents or freight forwarders to take delivery of goods under the system that was implemented on 1 April.
“Although shipping lines issue 100% EDO, the rate is slightly lower for freight forwarders. However, gradually all delivery orders will come under EDO,” said Omar Farooq, secretary of Chattogram Port Authority.
Six shipping companies were initially tasked with issuing EDOs on a trial basis from December last year. The shipping companies were MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Bangladesh Ltd, APL Bangladesh (Pvt) Ltd., Maersk Bangladesh Ltd, Continental Traders BD Ltd, Continental Traders, and Ocean International Ltd. This electronic delivery system has been made mandatory for all shipping companies from April 1.
The Chattogram Port Authority has created a separate portal for the EDO system called the Port Community System, which is managed on the Terminal Operating System (TOS). C&F agents, shipping agents, and freight forwarders involved in product delivery, have login access to the portal.
The C&F agent on behalf of the importer will apply for EDO by logging in to this portal after the goods have landed at the port yard. This information will also be communicated to the shipping line and freight forwarder by the C&F agent. The shipping agent will then collect the fee and send it to the C&F agent and freight forwarder. Likewise, freight forwarders will collect their charges and upload that information to the portal.
Previously, C&F agents collected delivery orders from the shipping line office in person. Under the new system when an EDO is issued from the shipping line office it will be automatically forwarded to the port, freight forwarder, and C&F agent.
