Shipping agents and freight forwarders: APPMA slams ‘illegal’ charges, FBR ‘inaction’

All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) has accused shipping lines, agents, and freight forwarders of imposing multiple illegal charges on importers while criticizing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for failing to take action against these practices. In a letter to Daily Business Recorder, Muhammad Anis, Senior Vice Chairman, APPMA, outlined what he described as exploitative practices that violate Pakistan’s Customs Rules 2001 and international maritime law. The letter alleged that importers are being charged Terminal Handling Charges three times on C&F CY to CY cargo. According to the Bill of Lading terms, shipping companies are contractually responsible for lifting containers from the port of loading and delivering them to the destination yard.