CBIC orders priority clearance of long-pending cargo to free up container yards

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched a mandatory, high-priority clearance drive running through October 31 to clear uncleared, unclaimed and seized cargo clogging major Indian ports. The initiative aims to free up critical storage space, lower logistics overheads and improve container availability for domestic exporters. The intervention follows rising container congestion across major West Coast hubs, where yard capacity has neared upper limits. The operational strains have been further exacerbated by West Asia shipping disruptions, which forced commercial vessels to alter schedules, skip port calls, or return mid-voyage to unload stranded freight. By systematically liquidating trapped inventory, tax authorities plan to restore terminal capacity and streamline export-import flows. The special clearance push offers immediate relief to trade firms facing delayed sailings, reduced container allocations and elevated storage costs across major port facilities, said a report.

Please visit our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ikargos2719 for fortnightly logistics news analysis and more!