Ctg Customs orders e-auction of perishable goods

Chattogram customs house (CCH) has issued a directive to sell perishable goods through e-auctions to speed up their disposal, boost revenue collection and ease congestion at Chattogram Port.
The directive was issued by the CCH auction section on Tuesday and signed by Acting Commissioner Md Mahbubur Rahman.
It said prompt disposal of perishable goods was necessary to make the auction process more efficient, increase revenue collection, reduce cargo congestion, ensure optimum use of port storage capacity and prevent wastage of state resources.
Under the Customs Act, animals and perishable goods can be sold at any time with approval from the relevant authority, while existing National Board of Revenue (NBR) orders also allow perishable goods to be sold through e-auctions.
According to the directive, all auctionable consignments under Chattogram Customs that are not subject to legal, regulatory or court-imposed restrictions must be sold through public e-auctions.
Before a consignment is listed for auction, authorities must verify and document its legal status, the nature and quantity of the goods, inventory records and relevant inspection or test reports.
Consignments subject to court stay orders or specific legal restrictions on their sale or disposal cannot be put up for e-auction.
Perishable goods involved in pending adjudication or legal proceedings may, however, be sold with necessary approval if permitted under applicable laws, the directive said.
Customs authorities have also been instructed to prepare auction lots and catalogues and complete procedures for bidder inspection, participation, deposits and bidding.
Goods that deteriorate rapidly must be given priority and disposed of without unnecessary delay.
Once the highest acceptable bid is received, the required legal and administrative approvals must be obtained. The successful bidder will then be allowed to release the goods after paying the auction price, duties and taxes, government dues and other applicable charges, and submitting the required documents.
If the selected bidder fails to make payment or meet other conditions within the stipulated period, or if the sale is not completed or the auction is cancelled, further action will be taken in accordance with existing NBR orders and relevant laws.
The directive also said goods unsuitable for auction, or those that cannot be sold through e-auction because of import policy, regulatory requirements, court orders or other legal restrictions, should be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
CCH Assistant Commissioner Nazmul Hossain told the Daily Sun that the initiative was aimed at ensuring the quick disposal of perishable goods in compliance with existing laws and regulations.
“Perishable goods deteriorate quickly, so we have taken the initiative to dispose of them through e-auctions without delay,” he said.