Play store
Chattogram Custom House has so far destroyed 88 of 126 containers carrying expired, low-quality and unusable goods that had remained unauctioned at Chattogram Port.
The destruction began on August 24 at a designated site behind the Republic Club of Chattogram Port, where a large pit was excavated to dispose of the goods safely and in an environmentally sound manner.
Russell Ahmed, assistant commissioner of Chattogram Custom House, confirmed the development, saying the goods were being destroyed in accordance with relevant regulations and with approval from the competent authorities.
“Ten containers were destroyed on the first day and 23 on the second day, while a total of 88 containers have been destroyed over the past week,” he said.
The 126 containers hold around 3,268 tonnes of unauctionable, expired and unusable goods, including 935 tonnes of dates in 34 containers and 1,020 tonnes of expired soda ash in 40 containers.
The consignments also include 18 containers of expired feed-grade limestone, eight containers of expired bentonite powder, rotten oranges, spoiled onions, spoiled cashew nuts and other food products.
According to customs sources, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) launched the disposal drive as the goods had remained at the port for an extended period.
A joint team comprising members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and port police is assisting customs authorities in ensuring the safety of the operation.
Earlier, on August 6, five containers carrying Royal Tiger Energy Drink and personal care products, including shampoo, were destroyed by crushing them with rollers at the customs auction shed at the port.
The NBR expects the disposal of expired and hazardous goods to help reduce container congestion at Chattogram Port.
Customs authorities said the destruction of unauctionable and perishable goods would continue on an urgent basis, with relevant agencies ensuring operational safety and environmental protection.
Under existing procedures, imported goods must be cleared within 30 days of arriving at the port yard. If an importer fails to collect the goods, a notice is issued, and they may be auctioned if they remain unclaimed for 15 days after the notice.
If the goods remain unsold at auction or become expired, authorities take steps to destroy them in the public interest and for health and safety reasons.
Ahmed said a committee comprising representatives of different government agencies determines which goods are eligible for destruction.
He added that prolonged storage of refrigerated containers requires continuous electricity supply, resulting in unnecessary power consumption while also keeping shipping agents’ containers occupied.
“Once the goods are destroyed, the shipping agents can reclaim the empty containers,” he said.