FFFAI suggest system-driven process of clearance for smooth cargo operations

Highlighting the certain problems faced by FFFAI members, AV Vijaykumar, Chairman, FFFAI says, “One of the main issues is of stepping out of house and travel. Many states are strict in enforcing curfew and hence it is difficult for custom brokers to carry out their day to day work. Whereas, some states are moderate that mobility to a limited extent is permitted. While it is required to obtain a pass or permit to travel, there is neither set procedure nor clarity on the authority that will issue such pass or permits. This is done by some states online while others follow manual system.”
Operations at port, airport, CFSs, ICDs across various cities have been adversely affected due to minimum workforce available on account of travel restrictions. Even though Customs have declared 24X7 working but they are functioning with very minimum staff/officers. Majority of shipping lines and NVOCCs have adopted work from home thereby limiting their normal work.
Unlike most other professions where online processing and work from home concept is possible, our profession requires manual presence of our staff at various stages and locations. This is avoidable exposure and is contrary to the appeal of the Prime Minister for social distancing.
The Federation has suggested that the entire process of clearance and handling of cargo, be it customs or others, should be system driven to avoid human intervention. To achieve this target of paperless processing entirely, it will take some time to accomplish.
Another major issue faced is lack of transports/trucks. Most of drivers of vehicles operated in different parts of the country have travelled back to their native places to protect themselves and their family. This is one of the main obstacles for movement of cargo. In certain places even when drivers have returned back to work, their functions become very difficult due to difficulties in obtaining travel permits. Hence, logistics activities have been affected across the locations.