The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Nuctech Company Limited to add six fixed container-scanners in three major customs ports, aimed to reduce physical examination requirements of import-export goods.
The scanners - four for Chattogram seaport and one each for Benapole and Bhomra land ports - are expected to facilitate expediting the release of goods and saving time and cost of business, said a statement.
The machines will have high penetration capacity and advanced technology, and to be suitable for multiple purpose usage.
Of the existing 10 six fixed container scanners of Bangladesh Customs, six are outdated and four have poor penetration capacity.
After installation of the new ones, the NBR high-ups would be able to monitor its activities centrally through introducing central imaging systems.
It would also facilitate the central risk management unit and customs intelligence to work efficiently by using the real images.
A Time Release Study-2022, conducted by customs officials with the support of World Customs Organisation and Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), found physical examination of goods at customs points takes a significant time, causing unusual delay in resealing goods.
With the new scanners, the Chattogram Custom House will have a total of 12 scanners to monitor its 13 gates.
NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem chaired the agreement signing ceremony. NBR Member (customs audit, modernization and international treaty) Dr Abdul Mannan Shikder and a representative of Nuctech Company Ltd Hou Wenyi signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.
