SAGT leads in introduction of electronic container clearance
The South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), one of three terminal operators in the port of Colombo, recently introduced a paperless electronic clearance process for import containers.
The new process is in support of the Minister of Roads and Highways, Ports and Shipping, Johnston Fernando’s, initiative to mandate all stakeholders in the supply- chain to advance global best practices in Sri Lanka. The initiative is in response to the need for innovating current work practices in view of social distancing directives issued by the Government. The easy to use email enabled process ensures the complete digitization of the clearance process significantly improving efficiency and accuracy, the terminal operator said in a media release.
SAGT’s e-clearance process integrates the paperless ‘CUSDEC’ (Customs Declaration) process already implemented by Sri Lanka Customs. It further enables shipping lines, customs clearing and handling agents to submit relevant clearance documents digitally and in turn receive the delivery advice ( DA) from SAGT also in electronic form.
SAGT’s e-clearance process significantly reduced health and safety risks by eradicating physical interactions during the container release process, by eliminating the need for clearing agents to visit the Terminal Documentation Centre. Furthermore, the initiative offers increased scope for achieving even greater efficiencies in the upstream and downstream processes towards a totally contactless import clearance process.
SAGT has continued to provide full terminal services throughout the period of supply chain disruptions since the arrival of COVID-19. This commitment to providing uninterrupted service has significantly increased operating cost. “It is in times of unexpected difficulties that the real value of a service provider as a partner comes into acute focus,” says Ted Muttiah, SAGT’s Chief Commercial Officer, adding, “as an essential services provider we are committed to serving the diverse stakeholders of the international trade supply chain community. Our collective effort aims to serve our nation in its hour of need”.
In support of the community during these unprecedented times, SAGT offered an additional 31 days of terminal storage free-time for general cargo and 38 days storage free-time for unaccompanied personal baggage (UPB) containers.
In his comments, Romesh David, SAGT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have been working closely with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and other authorities to ensure full compliance with all additional safety measures to our staff and other stakeholders engaged with the terminal at this time.”