Govt asks shipping cos to waive off detention charges

The Government of India has directed shipping companies to refrain from collecting detention charges on export-import (EXIM) cargo considering the business disruption owing to Covid-19, so that supply lines are maintained for uninterrupted cargo movement. This directions on shipments stand till April 14, and were taken after delays were reported in evacuation of goods from ports owing to disturbance in the downstream services.
According to an advisory issued by Directorate General of Shipping, “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).” The advisory also said that this is purely a one-time measure to deal with the present disruptions caused by spread of COVID-19.