For the distribution of imported goods, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has implemented an Electronic Delivery Order (EDO) system, which makes the entire procedure faster and easier. Importers can obtain EDO from shipping agents or freight forwarders after paying tariffs on imported items under this system that went into effect on April 1st. Officials claim that this will cut a day’s work down to 5 to 10 minutes. Although shipping lines provide 100% EDO, freight forwarders have a significantly lower rate. “However, all delivery orders would progressively come under EDO,” said Chattogram Port Authority secretary Omar Farooq.
Six shipping companies were initially tasked with issuing EDOs on a trial basis from December last year. The shipping companies were MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Bangladesh Ltd, APL Bangladesh (Pvt) Ltd., Maersk Bangladesh Ltd, Continental Traders BD Ltd, Continental Traders, and Ocean International Ltd. This electronic delivery system has been made mandatory for all shipping companies from April 1.
