Shipping companies seek return of containers lying idle at Sirsiya Dry Port, Nepal

No importer has reportedly come forward to claim ownership of the goods

International shipping companies have been pressuring the Birgunj Customs Office to return 185 containers that have been lying idle for six years inside the Sirsiya Dry Port premises under the Parsa-Birgunj Customs Office, according to reports.

The Chief of Birgunj Customs Office, Customs Administrator Mr Bishnu Prasad Gyawali, said that those shipping companies recently sent formal letters urging the immediate release of their containers. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2019 (2076 B.S.), goods imported from third countries were left at the dry port after the actual importers—individuals or companies—could not be contacted. As a result, the containers are still stranded in the port area.

 

 

“No importer has come forward to declare ownership of the goods inside these containers for Customs clearance,” he said. “In such a situation, both the goods and the containers risk becoming unclaimed property.”

These containers have been placed in the south-eastern corner of the dry port. Some of them have even started emitting foul smell. Until the goods inside the containers are properly managed or disposed of, the containers cannot be emptied.

Mr Gyawali said that he has formed a committee under the coordination of Senior Customs Officer Ram Prasad Pathak. After the committee completes its study and submits a report recommending the disposal procedure, a decision will be taken to destroy the goods stored inside the containers.

According to Mr Gyawali, the new provisions in the Financial Act allow container owners to submit an application, complete the Customs clearance process and take back their containers. Therefore, importers still have the option to declare ownership and retrieve their containers if they wish, the reports said.

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