Couva/Point Lisas Chamber unhappy about port delays

The Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce is unhappy about delays at the container examination station at the Port of Port-of-Spain, including waiting times of up to eight to nine working days for an appointment.

Chamber president Deoraj Mahase said yesterday that when non-working days are included, this adds up to 14 days.

“This situation is causing severe hardship to various sectors of the business community, not just importers but brokers, hauliers, retailers and consumers,” he said.

“It is having an impact on their ability to effectively conduct their business successfully while providing cost-effective service and prices to the public.”

Mahase said while the chamber is aware of the work the Customs and Excise Division has to do in relation to security, examination and

due diligence regarding document screening and cargo inspections, it is requesting immediate improvements to alleviate the delays.

To reduce the delays, the business group suggests longer operating hours, including Saturdays, examination at premises after hours or during work hours, rerouting officers to the container examination station and additional officers for screening documents.

The chamber is also calling for more dedicated use of the ASYCUDA system and additional use of the scanners

Mahase said another issue is the long-awaited standard operating procedure for the Customs and Excise Division, which will enhance the operations and efficiency of the process for importers, exporters and all other users.

“The chamber is aware that some of the delays may be due to the sheer volume of import containers based on a recent high influx of containers via a particular vessel at the Port of Port-of-Spain. However, this is not the first time this vessel is calling with such volumes and it will not be the last, therefore a more long-term and meaningful solution is warranted,” he said.

Mahase noted that the mobile scanners which are expected soon should provide additional relief in the processing and delivery of containers.

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