Govt ask shipping companies not to take detention charges till April 14

The government has asked all the shipping companies not to collect any detention charges on export-import cargo in the wake of the situation arising due to coronavirus outbreak. Delays were reported in evacuation of goods from ports due to disturbance in the downstream services. “In order to maintain proper supply lines at the Indian seaports, the shipping lines are advised not to impose any container detainment charge on import and export shipments for the period from March 22, 2020 to April 14, 2020 (both days inclusive),” says the advisory issued by Directorate General of Shipping.
During this period, shipping lines are also advised not to impose any new or additional charges, it said adding the decision is purely a one-time measure to deal with the present disruptions caused by spread of COVID-19. “Government is taking all-round actions to fight against COVIDー19 and its negative impacts on the economy,” says Mansukh Lal Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Shipping, Government of India.