A pivotal meeting was held at Custom House, Chattogram, on Monday, January 29, 2024, to address the full implementation of the Export General Manifest (EGM) and Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in the ASYCUDA World System. The meeting, led by the Commissioner of Customs, gathered senior customs officials, programmers, and representatives from key industry organizations such as the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association (BSAA), Bangladesh Freight Forwarders’ Association (BAFFA), Chattogram Customs Agents’ Association, and Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA).

The Commissioner highlighted the pressing need for 100% compliance with EGM submissions, expressing dissatisfaction with the current compliance rate of only 60% to 65%. He pointed out that despite previous training sessions and longstanding decisions, progress has been insufficient, creating barriers to a seamless and transparent export process. This, he stressed, must be resolved immediately to enhance efficiency and align with global standards.

During the meeting, representatives from the BSAA raised concerns about the need for more than one Authorized Identification Number (AIN) for shipping agents handling both import and export operations. They requested the Customs Authority to consider issuing additional AINs based on workload. The Commissioner acknowledged their concerns and assured attendees that such applications would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the operational volume of the applicants. Other stakeholders, including BAFFA and BICDA, contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to improve compliance and streamline customs procedures.

To address the compliance gap, the Commissioner set a firm deadline for achieving 100% implementation of EGM in the ASYCUDA World System: February 15, 2024. He made it clear that after this date, the Customs Authority would lock the AINs of non-compliant agents and initiate legal action. He also reiterated that applications for additional AINs would be evaluated only for shipping agents with substantial workloads and valid justifications.

The meeting concluded with a strong call to action. Stakeholders were urged to accelerate their efforts to meet the February 15 deadline and fully integrate EGM submissions into the ASYCUDA World System. The Commissioner emphasized that compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement but a critical step toward modernizing export operations and boosting Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness.

This initiative marks a significant move by the Chattogram Customs Authority toward creating a more streamlined, transparent, and globally aligned customs process. For businesses involved in shipping and export, meeting this deadline is not only essential to avoid penalties but also an opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce operational delays, setting a stronger foundation for growth in international trade.