Customs to modernise screening at Vallarpadom

KOCHI: The Customs wing is set to deploy a scanner and a dog squad to ensure effective checking of containers at the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadom without any scope for delay in clearance. Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar told DC that currently containers were cleared in 48 to 78 hours and from January this would be further hastened. “In fact to strengthen surveillance, we are set to deploy a large scanner at the seaport to scan containers just like in airports, soon. Central Government clearance for this has come. This will enable inspection without opening the containers. A dog squad also will be deployed at the ICTT to tighten inspection further. The Cochin airport has it now,” he said.

He scotched allegations from a section of clearing and forwarding agents that the Customs was delaying the shipment of containers at the ICTT compared to international terminals in other states and asserted that there was no delay in the clearance of cargo here because of bureaucratic hurdles put by it. “In fact 70 to 80 percent cargoes, especially that of trusted agents, are let off without major inspection unless we get specific inputs on bids for violations of rules and smuggling. We don’t hold back containers for inspection. There could be a delay on account of procedures by other agencies involved in shipment of different cargoes. We conduct monthly meetings of these agencies to identify these issues and try to sort them out,” said Mr Kumar.