Import/Export Industry Notifications

In connection with the upcoming Chinese Golden Week period, Maersk has endeavoured to balance our network to match reduced demand for the next several weeks. They aim to minimize the impact on customers by securing alternative routing wherever possible. This communication is intended to inform you about all impacted sailings

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Chilean truckers went on strike in protest over violence affecting them in the country's restive Araucania province and the slow progress through congress of a raft of security and justice bills. Trucks blocked an arterial route outside the capital Santiago toward the port city of Valparaiso before dispersing with the promise of a larger blockade. Several points of the main highway headed south were also blocked by trucks parked across the road as drivers stood alongside with Chilean flags, according to local media and traffic reports

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HAPAG LLOYD informs that during normal operations of the Sofia Express, deployed in our Pacific North Loop 4 (PN4) service two members of the crew tested positive for COVID-19 while the vessel was at anchor at the port of Vancouver. Local authorities were duly notified and the mariners were immediately isolated and brought to a quarantine facility ashore. All other crew members on the vessel are being monitored and tested as deemed appropriate by the authorities. The situation involving the crew has further changed the vessel’s schedule and the ship is expected to continue her voyage shortly towards Pusan.

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In a relief to automobile manufacturers, the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has started issuing import licences for pneumatic tyres bought from China and other countries. So far, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Honda Cars India Ltd, MG Motor India ltd, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd, Bajaj Auto Ltd have received the import licences from the trade watchdog.

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The central government has extended a scheme of deferred customs duty payment available to companies with a good compliance track record to state-owned companies. The scheme available to authorized economic operators (AEOs), which cover many large corporations already, is expected to help state-run companies to first clear their imports quickly and pay duty within a fortnight. The scheme was rolled out in 2016 for importers recognized by the indirect tax authority on the basis of certain compliance parameters

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The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs-CBIC has asked GST field offices to conduct hearings in GST appeal cases through video conferencing for their expeditious disposal while ensuring social distancing. The CBIC said the feedback received from trade and field formations on this indicated that the initiative has helped in speeding up passing of adjudication and appellate proceedings.

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Due to the recent 19-day strike at Bejaia port, which ended early this week, the port is undergoing severe congestion between 7-10 days on the current vessels berthing sequences. The impact due to this was increased laden cargo lead-time, empty equipment re-loading and increased operating costs. CMA CGM will be implementing a Port Congestion Surcharge of USD 100/EUR 85 per TEU from all origins to Bejaia.

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Businesses registering under GST can opt for Aadhaar authentication, in absence of which registration would be granted only after physical verification of the place of business. In a notification, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said when an applicant for GST registration opts for authentication of Aadhaar number, he shall, with effect from August 21, undertake the said authentication while submitting an application.

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The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) in cooperation with the Saudi Customs announced the abolishment of the requirement to issue permits to load transhipment containers and goods. This was announced as part of a series of initiatives seeking to facilitate procedures for transhipment in the Saudi port sector. This decision aims to facilitate procedures for handling containers and reduce operational costs, which will contribute to attracting the largest international shipping lines. It will stimulate the movement of goods transhipment by raising the efficiency of handling and logistical operations in the port sector.

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