Chennai: At a time when the restriction of movement of vehicles due to the lockdown affecting the traders, they now say that shipments coming from China have been delayed at ports and airports without any convincing reason provided by the customs authorities.
Sources said that the delay is happening despite receiving delivery order for moving the shipments out of Container Freight Station at Chennai port.
“All consignments coming from China are being subjected to 100 per cent physical verification,” sources added.
Chennai port said that shortage of labour and department staff are the reason behind the physical verification and clearance of the shipments.
The non-shipment of Chinese product amid escalating border tension has only worried the traders who are not sure when or if they will receive their shipment.
A businessman on condition of anonymity said that even containers which had been checked by Customs officials and given delivery order were also stopped from being wheeled out.
“We had imported raw materials from China and the consignment reached Chennai port last Friday and was cleared by Customs and issued DO, but it was stopped minutes before it was to be moved out. It is now lying there and no clear response is being given for holding it,” he said.
Similarly, many other importers have complained of unexplained delays at ports and airports across the country. Another businessman said that if this is an unofficial trade cutoff with China it should be inforned to the traders.
“Many business are affected by this. Reason behind such delays should be made public and all issues should be sorted out at once. With the beginning of a new month, companies have new committments that have to be fulfilled,” he said.