The Ministry of Shipping has issued an official order that the Cabotage restrictions for transshipment of exim containers at the International Container Transshipment Terminal, Vallarpadam may be relaxed under Section 407 (3) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 subject to certain conditions.
This relaxation is subject to 100% radiological scanning of containers.
The order further stipulates security procedures in compliance with applicable regulations of ISPS Code and extant Government of India instructions.
It said that the Cochin Port has already established 100% radiological scanning. The ICTT is currently under Level II of the ISPS Code with its security entrusted with the armed constabulary of CISF.
A meeting of the Revenue Secretary and the Secretary on December 11th decided that the Customs will procure, install and operate X-ray scanners for the ICTT.
The trade welcomed the announcement of the Ministry of Shipping and expressed the opinion that services through ICTT would now be able to compete effectively with neighboring transshipment hubs.
It added that India's exim trade will benefit from this development through reduction in transit times up to 7 days and reduced international freight up to USD 300 per container.
The Cabotage relaxation is subject to review after 3 years.
Source:
http://www.steelguru.com/indian_news/Notification_relaxing_Cabotage_at_Vallarpadam/296493.html
