Local Handling Charges: IEAG bemoans GHS 3,344 per 20-footer container cost; threatens sit-down strike
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), has threatened to embark on a sit-down strike if the government does not stop Shipping Lines from charging importers and exporters what it terms as “local handling charges”.
In a statement issued by the IEAG, local handling charges charged importers and exports per a 20-footer container is GHS 3,344, “and these charges could go up if the importer us clearing more than one container,” the statement added.
“Aside from importers being made to pay cash for the local handling charges, they are again compelled to deposit an amount of 300ghc to 1000ghc as an insurance cover for the containers in which one’s goods are being transported. It’s quite interesting to note that, even though the said deposit charges are refundable, it takes over months for the shipping lines to refund the deposit,” further read the statement.
According to the IEAG, the local handling charges being demanded by Shipping Lines is an illegality as it has no legal basis.
The Association noted that, Importers and exporters risk being out of business due to the local handling charges being demanded by Shipping Lines.
“The Importers and Exporters Association will in the coming days excise its constitutional rights of mobilizing its members to hit the street and embark on a sit-down strike if the government fails to act on our plea,” the Association warned.
Read details of press statement below:
1st September 2022
*PRESS STATEMENT *
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA
“UNLAWFUL” LOCAL HANDLING CHARGES AT THE PORTS ARE CRIPPLING GHANAIAN IMPORTERS
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana IEAG is saddened by recent developments within the maritime space, which if not addressed in earnest time could throw many shippers ( Importers and Exporters) out of business.
It is sad to note that, the monstrous and illegal local handling charges being charged Importers by shipping lines operating in our maritime space, has become an albatross and a threat to local Importers and businesses as a whole.
It would interest the public to note that, Importers after paying soo much as freight charges are again subjected to the irony of coughing out huge sums of money for the payment of Local Handling Charges which has no basis or legal backing in that regard.
Documenting evidence available to the IEAG shows that some shipping lines are charging as much as 3,344ghc on a 20-footer container as local handling charges, and these charges could go up if the importer is clearing more than one container.
Aside from Importers being made to pay cash for the local handling charges, they are again compelled to deposit an amount of 300ghc to 1000ghc as an insurance cover for the containers in which one’s goods are being transported. It’s quite interesting to note that, even though the said deposit charges are refundable, it takes over months for the shipping lines to refund the deposit.
It’s also quite unfortunate to note that these local handling charges are being charged at a dollar rate of 10.85 as against that of the central banks’ rate of 8.2.
We the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana remain resolute in our years of call for the government through the Shipper’s Authority to excise its powers in ensuring this daylight thievery by the Shipping Lines is addressed.
The cupidity as demonstrated by the Shipping Lines to exploit Shippers (importers and exporters) is unfortunate and we as an association expect the presidency to compel the transport ministry to crack the whip, since the imposition of these charges by any shipping line without the approval of the relevant bodies, constitutes an infringement of the sovereign rights of the business community in Ghana.
The Importers and Exporters Association will in the coming days excise its constitutional rights of mobilizing its members to hit the street and embark on a sit-down strike if the government fails to act on our plea.
Sgd
……………
Samson Asaki Awingobit
Executive Secretary
Tel
024 357 5046
