Bangladesh orders national standards authority to provide services on holidays as importers fear demurrage costs

The industries secretary orders the quick release of imported goods for the convenience of importers

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) will continue its services even on weekends to help protect importers from losses at ports from now on, says the industries secretary.

Announcing the decision on Saturday, Md Obaidur Rahman ordered the quick release of imported goods for the convenience of importers.

He was addressing a public hearing of stakeholders at the BSTI head office in the capital’s Tejgaon, says a media statement.

“The decision, taken in the wake of the long-standing demands of importers, will ensure quick clearance of goods from ports. At the same time, importers will be protected from unnecessary demurrage (compensation) costs,” it reads.

The secretary also directed BSTI officials to provide clearance of imported goods in less time than stipulated in the Citizen Charter.

“The government does not do business itself, but provides the necessary policy support and environment for traders. The government will stand by traders in any problem to maintain the pace of the country's development,” he said.

Pledging accountability for “slack” services, BSTI Director General MA Kamal Billah, who chaired the event, said they are working to shorten the SRO (Statutory Regulatory Order) issuance timeline and ease the standard-setting process.