As per the decision effective from yesterday, exporters and importers need not to pay terminal handling charge (THC) or less than container load (LCL) charge to shipping agents, mainline operators and freight forwarders in case of issued bill of lading (B/L). The charge will be included in freights for both export and import.

The shipping agents and vessel operators will also not be able to take the charge in any forms.

The decision came following a meeting between task force, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Private Inland Container Depots Association in Chittagong on May 14.

BGMEA President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez said shipping agents, freight forwarders and main line operators were taking extra charges in the name of THC, LCL, document charge, status charge, port of loading charge, China charge, container cleaning charge and RR charge which were totally illegal.

"Now we want support from all concerned so that the rule could not be violated," he said speaking at a press conference in Dhaka.

He said in case of a 20 feet container, a garment exporter will be able to save Tk 6,000 to Tk 7,000.

In 2006, a total of 276,772 containers were exported while 412, 342 were imported.

The views were also echoed by former BGMEA president Annisul Huq. He said: "Now we can be more competitive in the international market."

Replying to a query, he said: "We urge all factory owners to implement the new wage structure in their units within the timeframe of June 30, as there is a pressure from the government for implementation of the wage board approved pay structure."