Chattogram Customs House has ordered the disposal of auctionable perishable goods through public e-auctions to ensure their quick, transparent and lawful sale.
The directive, issued today by the customs house's auction division and signed by Acting Commissioner Md Mahbubur Rahman, will remain effective until the National Board of Revenue (NBR) issues a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the speedy disposal of such goods.
The order said the initiative would help expedite the auction process, increase revenue, reduce cargo congestion, make better use of port capacity and prevent wastage of state resources.
According to the order, customs law allows live animals and perishable goods to be sold at any time with approval from the competent authority. The NBR's standing auction order also provides for the e-auction of such goods.
Consignments that are perishable and have no legal impediment, regulatory restriction or court order will be listed for public e-auction. Before listing any consignment, officials must verify and record its legal status, nature and quantity, inventory details and necessary inspection reports.
However, goods subject to a court stay order or a clear legal restriction on sale cannot be listed for auction. If perishable goods are involved in ongoing legal proceedings but can be sold quickly under applicable law, necessary arrangements may be made with proper approval.
The e-auction process will include preparation of lots and catalogues, inspection by bidders, participation in the auction, security deposits and bidding. As the goods are perishable, the order instructed officials to complete the process on a priority basis without unnecessary delay.
After receiving the highest acceptable bid, the required legal and administrative approvals will be obtained. The successful bidder will then be allowed to clear the goods after paying the auction price, duties, taxes, government dues and other liabilities and submitting the required documents.
If a successful bidder fails to make payment or fulfil other conditions within the stipulated time, or if the sale is not finalized or the auction is cancelled, further action will be taken under the NBR's standing orders and prevailing laws.
Goods considered unsuitable for auction, or those that cannot be sold due to import policy, regulatory restrictions, court orders or other legal barriers, will be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the law.
The order took immediate effect and was issued under Sections 207 and 266, read with Section 94, of the Customs Act, 2023.
Assistant Commissioner of Customs Nazmul Hossain said the initiative aims to ensure the speedy disposal of fast-spoiling goods while maintaining legal compliance.
He said goods would not be put up for e-auction if there is any court injunction or other legal impediment.