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Biz chambers, associations write to Nimal Siripala over freight fee revisions

03 Nov 2022

 
  • Warn of adverse impact on cost of living, disruption to trade
  A collective of business chambers and associations have made a joint representation to Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva stating that the newly introduced provisions under the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2304/24 violate the principles of market forces.  Accordingly, increased costs due to intervention by the authorities in price fixing, removal of the negotiation capability of private parties as service providers and service receivers, and misinterpretation relating to freight and other costs were some of the issues that were highlighted. In a letter to the minister, they raised concerns regarding the anti-competitive and non-transparent regulations explaining that these adversely impact the cost of living and competitiveness of industry overall in terms of both imports and exports.  The extraordinary gazette notification 2303/24 dated 20 October 2022 amended the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators Act No. 10 of 1972.  The amendments include a change in the existing structure of charges with maximum delivery order fees revised upwards for full container load and less than container load import shipments. The ultimate import consignee will be charged $ 8 per cubic metre as a cost recovery fee with washing charges, de-stuffing charges, and transport costs included in the cost recovery fee. Given that the industry is a major contributor to the country’s economy adding impetus to managing the trade balance, the chambers and associations urge the Government to consider justifiable corrective action for the newly proposed amendments to Act No. 10 of 1972, which would create a regulatory environment where competition and principles of market forces are upheld.  The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), National Chamber of Exporters, Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products, Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, Tea Exporters’ Association, Sugar Importers’ Association, and Essential Food Commodities Importers and Traders Association jointly made this representation.   

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