Expedite Cargo Clearance at Airports, especially in Delhi Airport: PHD Chamber

No. PR – 135

October 25, 2021

New Delhi

Expedite Cargo Clearance at Airports, especially in Delhi Airport: PHD Chamber

There is immense congestion in cargo clearance at Airports, especially in Delhi Airport Cargo Terminals due to sudden change in rules of screening export cargo by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), said Mr. Pradeep Multani, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a press statement issued here today.

The order regarding the change in the operational method of x-ray of cargo (Aviation Security Service (AVSEC) Order no. 11/2015) state that before delivery to air carrier, all cargo processed at the terminals shall be subject to 100% X-Ray screening at piece level. This decision of screening cargo on a piece level basis is a cumbersome task, which requires more manpower and x-ray machines, said Mr. Multani.

We do not want to play with security of the country but there should be system to stop the congestion by increasing x-ray machines and manpower. Businesses should run smoothly and there should not be any impact on export sector, said Mr. Pradeep Multani.

High congestion at the airport due to slow cargo clearance, the average time for a shipment has increased from 12 hours to 1-2 days, shippers have to pay higher demurrage, and even some export orders are getting affected, said Mr. Multani.

The new rule is putting the air cargo supply chain under pressure resulting in higher trade costs. Thus, a significant handholding is required to support the trade and industry for attaining the high growth trajectory in the coming times, he said

PHD Chamber urges the Government to enhance x-ray machines and manpower at airports to enhance trade facilitation and ease of doing exports, said President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

End

Media Division

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry