Chattogram:Chattogram Customs House has announced the commencement of public e-auctions for perishable goods, aiming for their swift, transparent, and lawful sale.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the directive was issued by the customs house's auction division and signed by Acting Commissioner Md Mahbubur Rahman. This order will stay effective until the National Board of Revenue (NBR) formulates a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the rapid disposal of such goods.
The initiative is expected to expedite the auction process, increase revenue, reduce cargo congestion, optimize port capacity, and prevent the wastage of state resources. Customs law permits the sale of live animals and perishable goods at any time, provided there is approval from the competent authority. The NBR's standing auction order also supports the e-auction of these goods.
Perishable consignments without legal impediments, regulatory restrictions, or court orders will be listed for public e-auction. Officials are required to verify and record the legal status, nature, quantity, inventory details, and necessary inspection reports of each consignment before listing.
Goods that are subject to a court stay order or legal restrictions on sale cannot be listed for auction. However, if perishable goods involved in legal proceedings can be sold expeditiously under applicable law, proper arrangements may be made with the necessary approval.
The e-auction process includes the preparation of lots and catalogues, bidder inspections, auction participation, security deposits, and bidding. Due to the perishable nature of the goods, officials are instructed to prioritize and expedite the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Once the highest acceptable bid is received, legal and administrative approvals will be sought. The successful bidder will then clear the goods after paying the auction price, duties, taxes, government dues, and other liabilities, and submitting the required documents.
If a successful bidder fails to meet payment or other conditions within the specified timeframe, or if the sale is not finalized or the auction is canceled, further action will be taken per NBR's standing orders and current laws. Goods unsuitable for auction, or those restricted due to import policies, regulatory constraints, court orders, or other legal barriers, will be destroyed or otherwise disposed of legally.
The order took immediate effect, issued under Sections 207 and 266, in conjunction with Section 94, of the Customs Act, 2023.
Assistant Commissioner of Customs Nazmul Hossain stated that the initiative aims to ensure the rapid disposal of fast-spoiling goods while maintaining legal compliance. He emphasized that goods would not be auctioned if there are any court injunctions or legal impediments.