Port gives importers 12 days free rent

Michael Andrew, president of the Customs Clerks and Brokers Association (CCBA), on Tues-day said PATT had been unfair to importers by removing extra rent-free days for import containers in addition to imposing new increased tariffs.

He said under the old rates containers were allowed to stay on the port for seven working days rent-free with an additional five days for five or more containers or cargo in excess of 100 tonnes.

Under the new tariff system, Andrew said, rates on import containers go according to calender days which meant, importers had to pay rent for public holidays and weekends since the port is not opened for business on these days.

In a meeting between TTMA and PATT yesterday, the TTMA negotiated a new arrangement with PATT whereby shipments of five or more containers per bill of lading will enjoy 12 calendar days rent-free, instead of the seven days previously offered.