Customs system glitch chokes shipments at ports Pan India, traders pay heavy demurrage charges

NEW DELHI: Several shipments havebeenstuckatIndianportsdueto glitches in the customs IT system, leading to importers paying heavy demurrage charges. According to trade reports, shipments worth Rs3,000-5,000crorearestuckpanIndia.

Importers have alleged that the dutypaymentoptionontheICEGATE system is still not functioning properly. Since April 1, heavy demurrage charges have been paid by trade/importers, to the tune of aroundRs500-700crore.

The Customs Department had launched a new updated IT system on April 1 for payment of duty by importers, including an electronic cash ledger payment system aimed at ensuring ease of doing business.

However, importers claim that they are still facing issues in making payments through the ICEGATE system. In response to the situation, customs authorities have started manual clearance of goods to facilitatetrade.